Chris O'Neil is excited about his first trip to Cliftonhill, but the defender is critical of his own performances this season.

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O'Neil has been playing in the left-back role instead of his favoured right-back berth, and while the Diamonds have achieved their best start to a league season since 2001/02, the amiable 20-year-old has been rather harsh on himself.

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"I don't think I have started the season too great, I need to do much better personally than how I have been playing. 

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"I'm just happy to have been in the starting eleven recently with so much competition for places, but I need to improve my game.

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"I think we are playing quite well as a team though, to win three games in a row shows we are doing something right. 

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"I think we can always improve and as the season goes on I think we will improve and hopefully get a lot more wins and push up the table."

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Airdrie fans will have no complaints if their side's form - improved or otherwise - continues on Saturday as they visit Monklands rivals Albion Rovers.

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O'Neil was an unused substitute in last season's Petrofac Cup draw at New Broomfield which saw the Coatbridge men progress on penalties, but has yet to make his Cliftonhill bow.

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"It's exciting. I've never played at their ground, and I'm sure there will be a good crowd on Saturday. 

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"I went to school in Coatbridge so I can't wait for the game - and hopefully to get another three points."

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The big question on Diamond fans' lips is whether Gary Bollan's men can continue their winning streak. Chris thinks so.

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"If we play the way we know we can and put in a good performance, I don't see why not.

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"It will be a very tough game, Albion Rovers have started the season well, but if we play to our strengths then we have a great chance of getting four wins in a row."

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Jim Lister remains sidelined for Airdrie, although Marc Fitzpatrick and Kevin McBride both got some game time with the U20s this week.

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Jordan Morton missed last week's win over Cowdenbeath but may be available for the short trip to Coatbridge, and David van Zanten is being assessed after picking up a hip knock during the match.

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Referee Mike Roncone is in charge of the first Monklands derby of the season.