Josh Rae says Airdrie got it right against Ross County, and the Diamonds need more of the same against Inverness on Saturday.

Although an extra-time winner saw the Staggies through in last week’s Viaplay Cup fixture, Airdrie’s performance received widespread plaudits, and goalkeeper Rae is looking on the bright side.

“We started slow on Saturday, but we were always confident that we would get back into the game and we just played our way.

“For large parts of that game we showed that we can match anyone, so if we take that into the league - I’ve said it all along - we have nothing to fear and we can push for the top end of the table.

“It’s disappointing that we didn’t get the result in the end, but there are positives to take, definitely.”

Rae was one of many Diamonds heroes last season, saving the decisive penalty in the play-off final shoot-out.

The 22-year-old says consistent selection of the backline was a key factor in promotion, and aims to continue that after missing a large part of his debut season through injury.

“I was disappointed last season because I’d worked through pre-season, felt good, and then did my shoulder. Thankfully this season I’ve started well and no injuries, so feeling good!

“It’s massive to have a settled defence, and before Saturday we’d conceded very little goals. We just need to pick that up again on this Saturday coming.”

Saturday sees the visit of Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who have already faced Airdrie in this season’s Viaplay Cup group stage.

The Diamonds came out on top in July, with goals from Cammy Ballantyne, Charlie Telfer and Nikolay Todorov securing a 3-2 win at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.

Josh believes that home advantage can play a part as he and his team-mates look to repeat that outcome.

“We want teams to fear coming here. The pitch suits the way we play, the size of it and the surface.

“We need to make this a tough place for people to come, and teams don’t get many points here.

“Every game in the Championship is tough, there’s no easy game. We’ll just need to go out with the same mentality and just go for it.”

Manager Rhys McCabe agrees that his side’s free-flowing style is key to picking up results in the Championship.

“Every game is different, things can change, incidents can happen in the game that are out of your control.

“I stand by everything I say, the one thing we can control is the performance and the way that we go about our business. The result will take care of itself.”

The Diamonds boss remains sidelined by a knee injury, but otherwise has a fully fit squad to choose from.

Referee Dan McFarlane is the man in the middle for Saturday’s encounter.

Supporters are reminded that roadworks in the vicinity of the stadium, alongside the partial closure of Petersburn Road, are causing significant delays. Please plan accordingly.

Match tickets and livestream details are available using the link below.