Danny Lennon’s managerial reign begins with a trip to Arbroath, and defender Sean McGinty can’t wait to get back on the pitch as the Diamonds look to pick up their first three points of the league season.

Experienced boss Lennon took the Airdrie hotseat on Wednesday, with newly-promoted Arbroath the first obstacle facing the new Diamonds gaffer.

Defender McGinty, speaking before Lennon’s appointment, wants to use last weekend’s draw with Queen’s Park as a springboard to success at Gayfield.

“I thought we started the game really well, we created some really good chances in the first half. It was a pretty tight affair, I think both teams were battling really hard – there were a few feisty tackles in there.

“Towards the end of the game I think we just couldn’t quite get over the line. We obviously scored a good goal through Hendo and we’re disappointed to concede in the way that we did, but we’re really pleased with the performance and we’re looking to try to build on that now.”

Airdrie have already visited Gayfield this season, with Montrose using Arbroath’s ground as a temporary base when they faced the Diamonds in the Premier Sports Cup in July.

Goals from Euan Henderson and Lewis McGrattan gave Airdrie the win in unusually pleasant conditions, and McGinty is hoping for more of the same.

“You never know what you’re going to get when you go up there. Obviously we went up to play Montrose, and it was a pretty nice evening, so we’ll see what happens. We’ll prepare for every eventuality.

“Everyone’s fighting hard for Sinky and Hutts at the moment, so we’ll go up there and make sure we put in a really strong performance and try to come away with the points.”

Prior to Lennon’s appointment, the Diamonds had been under the interim charge of Aaron Taylor-Sinclair, David Hutton and Bryan Prunty, with 32-year-old defender McGinty among the senior players who had been lending their experience in training following the surprise departure of Rhys McCabe.

“I’ve been through it a couple of times – it happened to me at Ayr with David Hopkin, I came in and he decided to leave, so a similar situation. It was a bit of a shock to everyone last week, but we’re over it now.

“I’ve helped Sinky out with a few bits, but he’s really grasped the role well. He really set us up well for the weekend and I’m sure he’ll keep doing the same.

“We had a really good week last week, we’ll have another good week this week, and everyone’s just itching to get back out there and try to get that first win on the board.”

Taylor-Sinclair, also speaking before Lennon’s appointment, says Airdrie are more than capable of bringing the points home from Angus.

“It’s always a tough game when you go up there, I’m not sure what the wind machine will be like! I know Goldie and Hammy quite well, so they’ll have their boys fighting.

“We’ll just go and try to impose ourselves and play our style. At times you need to play the conditions, but apart from that it’s more about us.”

Dylan MacDonald is expected to be back in contention having resumed training toward the end of the week. Lewis Strapp (shoulder) came through the Queen’s Park match unscathed after returning ahead of schedule, but Alex King (thigh) is likely to miss another week.

Defender Cammy Bruce continues to make good progress with his rehabilitation, while striker Aaron Reid should return to full training within the next fortnight.

New signings Cole McKinnon and Charlie Telfer will be available for selection subject to SFA clearance.

Match official Ryan Lee is already refereeing his second Airdrie match of the season, having taken charge of the recent defeat at Dunfermline Athletic.

Match tickets are available using the link below.