Airdrie visit joint league-leaders Partick Thistle on Saturday hoping that the international break will have worked in favour of their injury-hit squad.

Jamie Barclay (hip) has joined Cammy MacDonald (hamstring) on the sidelines, although top scorer John Boyle (ankle) has been making good progress and may be pushing for inclusion.

Also in the squad is young midfielder Josh Watt, who has been brought in from Motherwell on a three-month loan deal.

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A pacey winger, 19-year-old Watt sees his loan move to the Diamonds as one which could be mutually beneficial.

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He told Motherwell's official website: "I am hoping my three months there can help me progress as a footballer and when I return in January, hopefully I am a better player.

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"Until January at least, I will be doing everything I can to try and help Airdrie."

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It will be a baptism of fire for Watt as Airdrie travel to Firhill to face a Partick Thistle side who were unbeaten in the league until losing to Morton two weeks ago.

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Since then they have picked themselves up with an ALBA cup semi-final win over Cowdenbeath, but former Thistle stalwart Kenny Arthur doesn't believe that form comes into it. 

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"I've got great belief in my own ability, so approach every game with the confidence that I'm good enough to achieve success.

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"The last game has no effect on this one, just as this one will have no effect on the outcome of the next. Each game is 90 minutes that will be won on its own merit".

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Partick hope to bring back player-coach Alan Archibald after missing the Cowdenbeath cup-tie through injury.

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The match referee is Euan Norris, who takes charge of his first Airdrie game this season.