Adam Eckersley says consistency is the key to improvement as the Diamonds prepare to take on newly-promoted Peterhead.

 

The English defender is looking forward to his first visit to Balmoor after returning from injury earlier than expected.

 

He explained: “It was a groin strain which kept me out for two and a half weeks, but everything’s perfect now.

 

“I think people expected me to be out for longer but I was working hard at the gym and the swimming pool so I’m happy to be back.”

 

Eckersley was instrumental in the Airdrie’s comeback against Stranraer last weekend, after the Blues had taken a 2-0 lead at the Penny Cars Stadium.

 

Goals from Callum Smith and Paul McKay tied the match, and could have gone one better according to the former Hearts and St Mirren player.

 

“The first half was quite frustrating, we gave away two sloppy goals.

 

“The manager gave us the hairdryer at half-time, and we came back out and showed what we’re capable of when we get the ball down and move it side to side.

 

“To be honest we were unlucky not to win the game in the end.”

 

The draw was the latest in a recent run of up-and-down results, and Eckersley believes that the Diamonds are capable of settling into a winning run.

 

“It’s important in every league, if you’re not consistent you’re not picking up points and moving up the table.

 

“We’ve got a good squad here and when we play, we’re a good team. We need to start finding that consistency every week, and I’m sure we’ll get there.”

 

The next challenge for Airdrie is a trip north to face Jim McInally’s Peterhead at Balmoor Stadium.

 

The Blue Toon were promoted as League Two champions, and Adam is hoping to add a new name to the long list of sides he’s faced in a well-travelled career.

 

“I’ve never played against Peterhead before so I don’t know what to expect apart from a long bus journey!

 

“They’ve just been promoted and they’ll be hungry to stay in the league and that always makes it very difficult.

 

“They’ve had some decent results, but if we can defend well and be ruthless up front I think we’ll do alright.”

 

Manager Ian Murray has warned his side they’ll have to be at their best at a difficult venue.

 

“Peterhead have done well since they came into the league, so it’ll be a hard game after a long journey - but it’s a good opportunity for us if we make sure we’re on our game.”

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Referee Gavin Ross takes charge of his first Airdrie match of the season.

 

Peterhead’s online match programme is available to read for free.