Sean Crighton says Airdrie are prepared for new year fireworks at Cliftonhill, and the Diamonds face Albion Rovers confident they can turn things around.

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Tuesday evening's late defeat at home to Stenhousemuir was the third loss in a row for Airdrie, and ex-Morton defender Crighton knows improvement is required.

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"We must lift ourselves because we all know its not been anywhere near the standard that is expected from us.

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"We need to learn from our mistakes and take any positives we can into the new year as its going to be a battle to the end for those play-off spots."

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The nature of the defeats to Peterhead and Stenhousemuir - both teams nicking late winners - has been disheartening for players and supporters alike, but the added spice of a local derby makes the result at Cliftonhill even more important.

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Crighton is looking for a repeat of the performance that saw the Diamonds triumph over their neighbours in September.

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"There is obviously the added pressure with it being a derby game, but we're preparing in every way we can to go there and get the win like we did in the previous match.

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"We prepare for every game in fine detail, so we need to try get a result in any way we can no matter the opponent."

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Unbeaten in four matches, Darren Young's Rovers have exceeded all expectations this season, currently sitting in fourth place in League One when many expected them to struggle.

Sean has been impressed by their form, but remains confident that the Diamonds will get a result.

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"Fair play to Albion Rovers, they have done great this season - but I honestly believe that we can bounce back from the slump we are in and we go there with every confidence to get the win. 

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"This league is so tight and will come right down to the wire like it did last season, but we're sure we'll be up there because we know we work so hard and have the passion and belief to do it as a group."

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Forwards Taylor Morgan and David Cox continue to have their fitness monitored after picking up knocks against Peterhead and Stenhousemuir respectively.

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Nick Walsh is the referee for the Diamonds' first match of 2016.