MANAGER Jimmy Boyle says he won't risk injured players in Saturday's pre-season friendly at Third Division Peterhead.

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Sean Lynch (ankle) and Graeme Owens (thigh) are doubts for the long trek north with the Diamonds also assessing Ally Woodburn and John Boyle.

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The Airdrie gaffer said: "We want to keep the players in the squad fit so if there are any problems, we'll wrap them in cotton wool and make sure they are ready for the start of the season.

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"We have a fair idea on the team we'll be going with but injuries will decide what's right and what's wrong."

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The upcoming weekend is important for Airdrie as they wrap up their pre-season programme in readiness for next Saturday's big kick-off.

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Boyle is content with how the squad has performed so far and is hoping for victory against the Blue Toon who have leading marksman Rory McAllister in their ranks.

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"The players have worked really hard," added Boyle. "We've had a good pre-season and we're looking to go up north and get a good result.

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"We've been pleased with how the pre-season games have gone. The Alloa and Dunfermline games this past week were great for us and our development."

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Airdrie's players will be able to get to know each other a little better after Saturday's match at Balmoor.

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The squad will spend the night in Aberdeen before returning south and beginning preparations for the Ramsdens Challenge Cup visit of First Division Livingston.