Goals have been hard to come by for the Diamonds this term, but loan-signing Ben Richards-Everton says a solid defence is the foundation to build on. 

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The towering Englishman signed a five-month loan deal from Partick Thistle in time to make his debut at East End Park last Saturday, but found his new team on the wrong end of a 3-0 defeat. 

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"It was a disappointing result. As a defender, when you lose by that much, it's hard to turn around and say you did well. 

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"I thought we started well and had a few chances quite early on, but second half they had a lot more possession and we found it hard to break them down". 

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With 'Rico' set to make his home debut against Stirling Albion this weekend, he feels his relationship with the Airdrie defence will improve. 

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"It's hard coming in to a team with players you've not played with before, but hopefully we will be stronger and more of a unit this weekend. 

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"Regardless of the opposition I think it's important to be the best we can be as a defence, and not concede first and foremost". 

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Two ex-Diamonds, Phil Johnston and Lewis Coult, are in the squad for League One new boys Albion, and Richards-Everton wants to make his own mark in his time at New Broomfield. 

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"My aim is to help the Club as much as I can. To start winning games, and concede less goals. 

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"I'm a player who gives 100% effort and commitment every game, and as a personal aim I want to do well so I can have a chance of playing when I'm back with Partick". 

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On the personnel front, Keigan Parker returns from suspension but John Boyle is rated highly doubtful with a knee injury. David Proctor faces a late fitness check after a calf knock forced him out of the game at Dunfermline. 

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Greig MacDonald's Stirling Albion side have four points on the board at this early stage in the season, having drawn with Peterhead on the opening day and beaten Stenhousemuir in a 5-4 thriller last weekend. 

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Referee Greg Aitken will officiate the match.