Nicky Cadden believes a run in the Scottish Cup would benefit Airdrie's league campaign. 

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The young winger dismissed any notion of cup progress causing a distraction from the Diamonds' main objective of climbing the league table. 

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"The cup games are always a welcome break from the pressures of the league matches.  

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"A good cup run could give the team more confidence which could help the league performances". 

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Tonight's third round replay against Morton is the first hurdle, with Edinburgh outfit Spartans awaiting the winners. 

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The sides will battle it out again after a goalless draw in Greenock at the start of the month.

 

Cadden claims Airdrie were unfortunate not to progress when the sides met ten days ago. 

 

"I thought in the first game at Cappielow we were the better team, even before they got a man sent off". 

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That man was Ton midfielder Joe McKee, who was shown a straight red card for a late tackle on Luca Gasparotto and is suspended for tonight's replay. 

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Airdrie's Ben Richards-Everton will also watch from the sidelines, as parent club Partick Thistle do not want the player cup-tied. 

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It means Diamonds gaffer Gary Bollan will have to shuffle the pack again, but 18-year-old Cadden is happy to wait for his chance to impress. 

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"The main priority is for the team to progress in the cup and to get as many points in the league as possible.  

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"If I can play my part in any way in future games I will be pleased.  

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"As a young player being part of the squad, I'm gaining vital experience from the senior professionals around me." 

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As in the first match, referee George Salmond will officiate tonight's replay. 

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The match is played to a finish this evening, with extra time and penalty kicks if necessary. 

 

The winners travel to Ainslie Park for a potentially tricky fourth round tie against Spartans on November 29.