Airdrieonians v Ayr United preview
17th April 2015
Bryan Gilfillan is frustrated watching Airdrie's run-in from the sidelines, but says anything can happen as the Diamonds prepare to face Ayr.
The versatile midfielder has been out for a month after fracturing a cheekbone in the home win over Morton, and although the healing process is going well, he says it's unlikely he'll feature again this season.
"The injury isn't too bad, but it's very doubtful I'Il be back before the end of season.
"It isn't great, as I was starting to feel fitter with every game I was playing.
"I've got next season to look forward to now wherever that may be, hopefully at Airdrie."
As Gilfillan has been watching from the stands, his Diamonds team-mates have put together a fantastic run of form to go from relegation candidates to a side with promotion play-off aspirations.
Those hopes were dealt a blow last week as Airdrie went down 2-0 to Forfar, with fourth-placed Brechin City winning to increase the gap to six points.
Not being involved has led to much frustration for 'Gils'.
"There's nothing worse than watching from the sidelines.
"It does make it easier when the lads are playing well and winning - we've been treating every game as a cup final, and it's been making us perform better in my opinion as we were getting closer and closer to the play-offs.
"Last week was a real low, especially with Brechin winning late on."
With Forfar gunning for the League One title, it was always going to be a difficult game at Station Park, but relegation-threatened Ayr bring a different challenge as they scrap for survival.
With the final outcome out of the Diamonds' hands, Bryan knows that all they can do is pick up their good form again.
"It's been great since January so hopefully we can build on that and keep winning.
"You never know what can happen."
Ex-Airdrie boss Ian McCall brings his Ayr United side to New Broomfield level with Stenhousemuir in the relegation play-off spot - on points and goal difference.
The Honest Men's superior goals-scored tally puts them ahead, but with three game remaining they will be battling for every point.
Jim Lister remains sidelined alongside Gilfillan for the home side, while Paddy Boyle is being monitored with an ankle injury which forced his early withdrawal at Forfar.
Craig Charleston is the man in the middle for the Diamonds' penultimate home game of the season.