Returning Airdrie defender David Proctor is happy to be back in the Diamond, and insists there will be no love lost when Monklands neighbours Albion Rovers come to visit. 

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Proctor played for the Club on loan from Dundee United in 2007, and went on to gain a wealth of top-flight experience at Inverness. A stint at FC Edmonton followed before his return to Lanarkshire. 

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He explained: "The manager contacted me the day I landed in Scotland after my two year spell in Canada. His enthusiasm and hopes for the new season convinced me it was the right move.

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"I know the team finished last season strongly so we will be looking to continue that form this year. We feel we will compete with any team in the league so we have to aim to finish in the top 4 at least."

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The Diamonds' first action of 2014/15 sees them facing local rivals Albion Rovers in the Petrofac Training Cup, and Proctor is looking forward to a hard-fought contest.

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"It's a great game to start the competitive season. 

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"The fans would normally be looking forward to the first game anyway, but the fact it's against our rivals will make for a great atmosphere in the stands and I'm sure there will be a few tackles flying in on the pitch!"

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An unbeaten pre-season schedule means confidence is high in the Airdrie camp. A good start in the cup competitions would set the side up for the league campaign ahead. 

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"Our mini trip to the Highlands gave all the new players, myself included, a chance to get to know the boys a bit better. It's been easy to settle in as it's a good bunch of boys who are all down to earth. 

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"The manager has got us fit with an intense pre season and we will be looking to hit the ground running starting this Saturday against Albion Rovers."

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Rovers have rung the changes in the close-season, with Darren Young taking over the managerial hotseat from James Ward. 

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Young is also registered as a player, and may fill a central midfield role with Scott Chaplain out due to work commitments.

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The home side are missing Liam Coogans who has ankle ligament damage, although the injury is not thought to be serious.

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Joining Proctor among the new faces are Andy McNeil, Marc Fitzpatrick, Joe Hamill, Scott Gray and Jack Kirwan.