GRAEME OWENS says Airdrie have a promotion ambition as they gear up for tomorrow's league opener.

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The Diamonds midfielder revealed the players are in a positive frame of mind ahead of the Second Division visit of Dumbarton.

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Former Middlesbrough and Kilmarnock player Owens scored twice last Saturday in Airdrie's 5-0 romp at home to Stirling Albion in the Scottish Communities League Cup.

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And he believes that victory has lifted confidence and fuelled ambition with a promotion challenge the target for everyone at the club.

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"It was good to be back playing last week after injury," the Northumbrian said. "We didn't start the game well but we dominated after getting the first goal.

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"Training had been a bit flat in the week leading up to the game but the gaffer and his staff got us back up and going again on the Saturday.

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"We're going to take things one game at a time but we have big ambitions amongst ourselves.

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"We want to push on and we feel there is a better squad here than last season. You've got to set your standards high and we want promotion. We've got to be looking to get up there.

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"There isn't a full-time team in the division this season and I think that will be a plus for all the sides hoping to challenge near the top."

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Owens reckons Airdrie's results at New Broomfield will be important and added: "Our home form is going to be crucial and if we can start well on Saturday, I think we will push on from there."

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Diamonds boss Jimmy Boyle looks set to include the re-signed Jamie Stevenson but is without crocked midfielder Sean Lynch (ankle).

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Dumbarton travel to the stadium missing three players. Defender James Creaney, midfielder Martin McBride and ex-Airdrie forward Bryan Prunty are all suspended.