Chris O'Neil says competition for places is healthy as Airdrie's new arrivals settle in ahead of Saturday's trip to Brechin.

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O'Neil has been primarily used in an unfamiliar left-back role this season, but the defender is pleased that the Diamonds' four new signings are integrating well - even if it means he has to fight for his place. 

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"With the game being off Saturday we got a wee training session in despite all the snow, so I think that will have helped the new boys gel with the group.

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"Competition is good - it helps you play better.

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"The new players are looking good so it will be hard to keep my place, but it's a challenge that I look forward to."

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Last weekend's match at home to Forfar was subject to a late call-off when the match referee became concerned about the visibility of the markings on the New Broomfield pitch.

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The Diamonds face another Angus team on Saturday, this time away from home, as they visit bottom side Brechin City.

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Airdrie certainly hold the upper hand over Darren Dods' side so far this season with two league wins and a Scottish Cup victory already under their belt, but O'Neil doesn't expect an easy ride at Glebe Park.

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"Brechin are a good team with some talented individuals.

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"It's always a hard place to go with the tight pitch, but I think we have every chance after a good performance against Dundee United in the last game."

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Of course the Diamonds lost that one to a late setpiece, but Chris feels that the changes implemented by new boss Eddie Wolecki Black are starting to show results.

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"I think realistically we have to be aiming for the play-offs. There are a lot of teams battling it out for those spots, but if we continue to work hard and work as a team then we should definitely be up there at the end of the season."

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New boys David Ferguson, Kieran MacDonald and Hugo Faria are still waiting to make their Airdrie debuts after last week's call-off. Neil Parry and David Cox remain sidelined through suspension.

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Hosts Brechin were also victims of the weather last weekend, although their match at Stenhousemuir did start before being abandoned at half-time with Stenny 1-0 up.

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Dene Shields has left the club under freedom of contract.

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John McKendrick is the referee for the Glebe Park showdown.