Callum Smith says putting in the effort will bring rewards for the Diamonds as they gear up to face Montrose on Saturday.

 

Dunfermline striker Smith joined Airdrie on loan as part of the deal which took Josh Edwards to East End Park, and the 19-year-old has enjoyed his start at the club. 

 

“I’m loving it so far - it’s a great changing room and the training sessions are brilliant.

 

“Pre-season went well and we were unlucky in the Betfred Cup. I thought we were the better side in the game against Hamilton, but in the end the penalties have cost us.”

 

Smith grabbed the opening goal in that match, putting the Diamonds ahead before Ally Roy doubled the lead. Two second-half penalties set Hamilton up for a last-minute winner, but Smith was pleased to open his Airdrie account.

 

Was it a typical Callum Smith goal?

 

“Aye… just hit the back post and wait for a tap-in!

 

“They’re the best strikers goals, I would take that over a screamer any day. It was a good way to get off the mark.”

 

Airdrie’s Betfred Cup disappointment extended to the opening League One fixture last weekend, which saw Forfar Athletic run out 2-0 winners at the Penny Cars Stadium.

 

Smith wants to put the result behind him.

 

“It’s hard to say what went wrong, it was just one of those games. Forfar were probably better on the day, but not by much - we just couldn’t get going. We created a few chances but in some games it just feels like it’s not coming. 

 

“The important thing is that we put it behind us and pick ourselves up - it’s always the next game that matters most.”

 

The ‘next game’ in question comes on Saturday at Links Park as Airdrie visit last season’s surprise package Montrose.

 

The Gable Endies made the Championship play-offs after winning promotion to League One. Stewart Petrie’s side were eventually well beaten by Queen of the South after a shock first-leg win.

 

Callum is keen to make amends for the opening day disappointment, and says that perseverance is key for the Diamonds.

 

“We just need to win. We need to go there and work our hardest.

 

“We might not have played very well last week, but we worked hard. When you work hard, the results will come.”

 

Manager Ian Murray wants a win to kick-start his side’s league campaign.

“The most important thing is to get off the mark in terms of league points, and that’s what we aim to do.

 

“Montrose got off to a good start with a point at Stranraer, but it’s certainly a place that we feel we can go and win, and we’ve got the players to do it.”

 

Kyle MacDonald is in contention for a place in the squad after coming through 45 minutes of a reserve friendly during the week. Scott Gallacher remains sidelined.

 

Referee David Dickinson is in charge of the Links Park tie.