Kerr McInroy is looking forward to a second Airdrie appearance when the Diamonds travel to Falkirk this weekend - but the midfielder doesn’t feel like a new face in the dressing room.

Returning to action following the international break, Airdrie make the short trip to the Falkirk Stadium to take on another side fancied for a title challenge.

Loanee McInroy is raring to go after an impressive debut in the 2-1 home win over Clyde a fortnight ago, having joined from Celtic in a deadline-day deal less than 48 hours before kick-off.

“Everything kinda happened quick, so I was delighted to get man-of-the-match and put in a good performance.

“I really enjoyed the game, it was a good win for us and I thought I played well. We got the win which is the most important thing, but we probably deserved more goals to match the performance we put in.”

The victory, courtesy of goals from Callum Smith and Calum Gallagher either side of David Goodwillie’s penalty equaliser, came with a slick passing performance which saw the Diamonds dominate from beginning to end.

Despite being a very late addition to the squad, 21-year-old McInroy is already feeling right at home.

“I feel as if I’ve been here for ages - all the boys have been really good with me and welcomed me in. I’ve really enjoyed it, so long may it continue!

“It’s a very good squad with a lot of good technical players. It suits me, because we can get the ball down and play.”

The ability to fulfil a number of roles in the middle of the park is one of McInroy’s key attributes, and the Scotland Under-21 star enjoyed a more defensive berth against Clyde and in last weekend’s bounce game at Stenhousemuir.

“I’m kinda flexible in midfield, I can play as a holder or I can go forward - I’m easy, just whatever the manager wants from me!

“I really enjoyed playing in the holding role in the Clyde game, and I played there in the friendly as well.

“It’s just about getting on the training pitch, getting as fit as possible and getting prepared for the next game. The friendly helped us, got everyone minutes, and we’re looking forward to the Falkirk game now.”

The match provides a tantalising start to the second quarter of the league season, following some epic encounters between the sides since The Bairns’ relegation to League 1 in 2019.

Paul Sheerin’s side hold the upper hand this season, having won 2-1 at The Penny Cars Stadium in August despite a strong home performance.

Two goals in two minutes from Callumn Morrison and Aidan Keena took the wind out of Airdrie’s sails, and despite a red card for Steven Hetherington and a Gabby McGill goal early in the second half, Falkirk were able to protect their lead.

Kerr is hoping for a repeat of the performance against Clyde - and another victory for the Diamonds.

“It’s one everyone’s looking forward to. It should be a good game, and it should be a decent crowd as well which will be good.

“It would be good to start the second quarter with three points, and hopefully that’s what we can do.”

Hosts Falkirk have also boosted their squad since the August meeting, with the addition of loanees Declan McDaid and Michael Ruth, but Airdrie manager Ian Murray is focussed on his own squad.

“As good as other teams and their players are, we’ve got equally good players and we’re in decent form.

“It’s a very tough start to the second quarter, but we don’t fear it. The players have full confidence and belief, and we’re just starting - hopefully - to see that turning tide.”

The Diamonds boss is confident that Luke Lyons will be Airdrie’s only absentee, with the defender edging ever closer to a return to full training following shoulder surgery.

Referee Steven Reid is in charge of the match at The Falkirk Stadium, his first Airdrie game this season.

Match tickets and streaming passes are available using the links below.