Luke Watt is focussed on helping the Diamonds to a win over Stranraer, but admits to being sad to see the current player exodus at his former club.

 

Loanee Watt has been instrumental in Airdrie’s recent form, which has seen the New Broomfield men unbeaten in six - but the 20-year-old is frustrated not to have picked up more wins.

 

“We feel we should have won the last couple of matches. It’s probably our own fault that we haven’t - particularly the Rovers game with the lack of concentration at the end.

 

“We’ve gone six unbeaten so we can’t be too disheartened. Obviously you want to win games, but if you’re not winning it’s important not to be losing.”

 

Watt has thrived as a box-to-box midfielder in his spell at New Broomfield, a role he’s not particularly accustomed to.

 

“It’s been good playing in midfield, it’s been a learning curve as I’ve always been used to playing in defence.

 

“I’m enjoying getting on the ball more and getting into more advanced positions - but I’m happy playing anywhere.

 

Airdrie look to continue their run this weekend as they head south to face Stranraer at Stair Park, where Watt spent the first half of last season on loan.

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“I enjoyed my time at Stranraer, and it’s tough to watch what they’re going through now with a lot of the boys moving on.

 

“I’m sure they’ll still be up for the game and they’ve still got some good players there, so we’ll need to go down and put a performance in.”

 

The Diamonds haven’t enjoyed the best of fortune on their recent trips to Dumfries and Galloway, but Luke is hopeful of a result this time round.

 

“It’s a tough place to go, but like any other game it’s 11 v 11 so anything can happen.

 

“We’re just concentrating on getting the win and starting to move up the league.”

 

First team coach Stevie Findlay is also looking to return home with three points.

 

“Reflecting on the run that we've been on, we've had some good results but I'd like us to replace the draws with wins.

 

"We go to Stranraer in a positive frame of mind and we've added some quality and experience to the squad, but we'll pay Stranraer the respect that they're due as it's always a difficult game down there."

 

"We need to make sure by the end of the game we've done enough to secure the win and bring home the points.”

 

Ryan Conroy and Marc Fitzpatrick remain sidelined for the Diamonds, but new loan signing Darryl Duffy goes straight into the squad.

 

Match referee Kevin Graham has already officiated a game between the sides this season - the Betfred Cup opener in June which saw two Stranraer players red-carded as Airdrie ran out 3-1 winners.