Charlie Telfer wants Airdrie to lay down a marker with a positive result against league leaders Dunfermline Athletic.

The Diamonds return to action on Saturday following a weekend off due to SPFL Trust Trophy action, and midfielder Telfer says it was a good time for a break.

“We trained during the week, we got our work in then we had some time off to recharge and go again.

“We’ve got a big game on Saturday, and the big game’s keep coming.“

While it could be argued that every game in cinch League 1 is a big one, the Diamonds began a potentially season-defining run two weeks ago after their extra-time Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Dundee.

A 1-1 draw away to Falkirk, Telfer’s last club before joining Airdrie, was about right according to the 27-year-old.

“Obviously we were disappointed we didn’t get three points, but as a whole I think the draw was probably fair.

“We had spells in the game where we thought we were really good - and perhaps we didn’t do it over the 90 minutes, but I think it was a positive result at a difficult place to go.

“We’ll take the positives, we’re unbeaten in four or five in the league.”

The result saw Falkirk drop to third place, while James McPake’s Dunfermline retained top spot despite only managing a home draw against Queen of the South.

The Pars now visit the Excelsior for their second meeting with Airdrie this season, a 1-1 draw at East End Park in August playing out thanks to goals from Nikolay Todorov and Adam Frizzell.

Charlie had not yet joined the Diamonds by that point, but took the game in as a spectator and is aware of the quality that the Pars possess.

“I actually came and watched the game that day, and I thought we were really good. We conceded and after that we turned it up again.

“We know their threats, but we know that if we play the way we can play, play between the lines and be really positive, if we get chances to do that we can hurt anyone.

“They’re a good side and they’re where they are for a reason, so we need to go and upset them and show what a force we are.”

Manager Rhys McCabe agrees that the Fife side are the team to beat at the moment.

“The league table doesn’t lie, and they’re sitting there at the top.

“We know it’s going to be a tough game, they’re a well-drilled side - results will show you that. To get back to our place with a good support, it’s a good game to be involved in.

“In the last game, towards the second half we started to play more of our normal style and got into the game. It was a very evenly-matched game, and one we enjoyed.”

The Diamonds boss says midfielder Adam Frizzell and striker Gabby McGill are ‘fit and available’ having made comeback cameos in recent weeks. Goalkeeper Josh Rae is well on the road to recovery, having taken part in full training this week.

Referee Gavin Duncan’s only other Airdrie match this season was September’s 5-0 home win over Clyde.

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