Aidan Wilson made an unexpected comeback against Montrose on Wednesday night, and Airdrie’s new club captain now has his sights set on Alloa Athletic.

Having missed pre-season with a groin strain, defender Wilson was expected to be back in contention for the start of the league season, but defied the odds to come on as a 75th-minute substitute in the 2-1 midweek win at Gayfield.

He told airdriefc.com: “It was quite a quick turnaround in terms of trying to get training into my legs, but it was good to get a wee bit at the end of the game there.

“For me it’s just trying to stay fit this year. Obviously I had my injury troubles last year, so hopefully I can play every game this year and lead by example.”

That take-charge attitude sees Wilson step up from vice-captain to the club captaincy in the wake of Adam Frizzell’s summer departure, and the 26-year-old aims to make the most of the role.

“Obviously the gaffer has given me that responsibility, and it’s about repaying him.

“I try to set standards – I think very similarly to the gaffer, and I’m just trying to get his points over to the boys and just be that middle-man for him in the dressing room.”

With goals from Euan Henderson and Lewis McGrattan securing a 2-1 win over Montrose, Airdrie’s 100% record in Premier Sports Cup Group C remains intact – and mirrors that of Saturday’s opponents Alloa Athletic.

Like the Diamonds, Andy Graham’s men have managed wins over Montrose, Dundee, and Bonnyrigg Rose, and the Clackmannanshire side come to the Albert Bartlett Stadium knowing that the winners of Saturday’s match will top the group and earn the chance to go into the knockout draw as a seeded team.

Wilson believes that the Wasps’ record speaks for itself.

“It’ll be tough. I’ve not seen a lot of them, I’ll be honest, but they’ve obviously done well to win their games.

“We’re at home, so we need to bring it to them – and hopefully go and get the three points.”

And although a similar start last season proved to be a false dawn ahead of a challenging William Hill Championship season, Aidan hopes that Airdrie are better equipped this time round.

“We started well last year and got out the group, but we didn’t take that into the league.

“I think we learn from that this year – go and top the group and then take that into the league as well.”

Diamonds boss Rhys McCabe was full of praise for Saturday’s opponents, and sees the upcoming match as something of a showdown.

“Full credit to them for three really good results, and performances to go with that. It sets us up almost for a shoot-out. Hopefully we can go in on Saturday, get the job done, and top the group.

“It’s a chance to go through seeded and win all the games in your group, so it becomes almost a final. That’s the way I look at it. We’re at home, we know the pitch, and we’ve got to make sure that we take the good elements of the last three games and tidy up on a few wee bits and bobs.

“We go into it at home with the full intent to win the game.”

While Wilson and Dean McMaster returned to the squad for Wednesday’s match, Cammy Bruce (knee), Lewis Strapp (shoulder) and Aaron Reid (hamstring) remain sidelined. Gavin Gallagher will face late checks after missing the Montrose match through illness, while fellow midfielder Rhys Armstrong is suspended after picking up a booking on Wednesday.

Referee Sean Murdoch is in charge of his first competitive match involving Airdrie.

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