Paul McKay says Airdrie will have to show their quality to get a result against Clyde on Saturday.

 

The 22-year-old was finally handed his Diamonds debut against Montrose last weekend after a protracted wait for international clearance following his move from Cardiff City.

 

Continuing in the starting line-up for Tuesday’s Tunnocks Caramel Wafer Cup tie at Hamilton, McKay is pleased to have gotten off to a successful start.

 

“It’s been good to finally get my clearance and get into the side. 

 

“I’ve enjoyed my two appearances so far, and I couldn’t ask for much more than two wins out of two!”

 

Hailed for his versatility when he signed in July, McKay has started his Airdrie career in the right-back position and the effect has been immediate with two clean sheets in the last week.

 

“I’ve actually preferred playing in midfield for the last wee while, but I’m happy to play wherever the gaffer wants me to and I think he quite likes me at right-back.

 

“Obviously Dycey had been playing there but he’s a more natural centre-half, so I feel it’s worked well for the team.”

 

The Diamonds get back to League One duty on Saturday as they welcome newly-promoted Clyde to the Penny Cars Stadium.

 

The sides have already met on Betfred Cup duty this season, with an Ally Roy double either side of Adam Eckersley’s strike giving Airdrie a 3-0 lead before Danny Lennon’s side pulled back two late goals through David Goodwillie.

 

That game was played at Hamilton’s Fountain of Youth Stadium, which was acting as Clyde’s home ground while work was being carried out at Broadwood.

 

This time Airdrie are at home, and although Paul wasn’t eligible to play in the first match, he expects the Bully Wee to provide strong opposition.

 

“Home advantage can make a difference, but when you get out on the pitch it’s 11 v 11, so we need to go out and play to the best of our abilities wherever we are.”

 

“It’s going to be competitive, similar to every game in this league. I think it’s going to be one of those seasons where anybody can beat anybody.

 

“It’ll be tough on Saturday, but I think we’ve got more than enough in the squad to win against anyone.”

 

Manager Ian Murray expects improvement from Clyde, who lost 5-2 at Raith Rovers last weekend.

 

“Clyde come here off the back of a good win against Motherwell U21s, and they’ll be sure to have worked on the defensive side of things after last week. We’re expecting a challenging 90 minutes.”

 

Winger Euan O’Reilly (groin) joins goalkeepers Scott Gallacher (cruciate) and Reece Willison (hand) on the sidelines for the Diamonds.

 

Peter Stuart is the referee.