Chris O'Neil is ready for a massive game against Albion Rovers after being reinstated to the Diamonds starting line-up.

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The tough-tackling defender recaptured his favoured right-back slot against Peterhead last weekend, and is hoping to keep the number 2 shirt for Saturday's crunch Monklands derby.

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It's been a frustrating season at times for O'Neil, who has made many of his appearances on the left, then had to watch on as loanee David Ferguson claimed the right-back position.

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The local lad impressed interim boss Danny Lennon in last week's friendly against FC Edmonton, and was pleased to earn his place back.

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"I was really chuffed to get back into the team, it's been a long wait but Fergie has come in and done really well so I had no complaints about not playing. 

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"Hopefully I can keep my place for the final six games, but to do that I need to play much better than Saturday and get a bit of form going. 

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"It won't be easy because there are always players ready to come in if you slip up, but hopefully I can keep playing."

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The trip to form side Peterhead ended in an unfortunate defeat for Airdrie, but O'Neil believes the Diamonds can make up for it this weekend.

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"I think that we could have played better on Saturday, but I think that this weekend is a perfect chance to make amends and get a win.

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"It's massive. It's going to be a really tough game but I believe we have enough to win."

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Stranraer currently occupy fourth spot, four points ahead of the Monklands rivals who are locked on 38 points with a game in hand over the Blues.

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As well as providing a vital three points, a win for either side would inflict a huge blow on their rivals as the season draws to a thrilling climax.

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Chris knows the importance of the victory, but expects the unexpected in the play-off run in.

"I don't think it's a must win for the play-offs because there will be lots more twists and turns - but I do believe that the game is massive for us and would give us a real boost for the last few games."

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Danny Lennon is without Jordan Thompson, who this week extended his loan from Rangers until the end of the season. The midfielder is currently on international duty with Northern Ireland.

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Rovers boss Darren Young welcomes midfielder Gary Fisher back from suspension, but Ricardo Talu and Paul Willis are rated doubtful. Striker Andrew Barrowman's season looks to be over due to a calf injury.

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Euan Anderson will referee the final Monklands derby of the season.