Cole McKinnon believes hard graft will propel Airdrie up the table – and the Diamonds can take a step in the right direction with victory over Partick Thistle.
The Jags visit The Albert Bartlett Stadium for Friday night’s televised fixture, and former Airdrie boss Mark Wilson’s side are enjoying a rich vein of form as they sit second in the William Hill Championship table.
Conversely, the Diamonds are aiming to build on their solitary league win, achieved in their last home fixture against Arbroath, as they fight to get off the foot of the table.
Last Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to league leaders St Johnstone followed that victory, but midfielder McKinnon – who has operated as a makeshift right-back in both matches – says he and his team-mates won’t dwell on the result.
“It was a tough game, but we always knew it was going to be. We’ll dust ourselves down nice and quickly, the mood’s good again – the boys are all lifted up and have had a good few days’ training.
“It’s good to be back out there in front of the home fans. They’re top class, and obviously we hear them every minute of the game. We need to go out and put on a show for them.”
McKinnon had just joined Airdrie the last time they faced Partick Thistle, and following a substitute appearance against Arbroath, he made an early impact at Firhill – netting a superb third-minute opener before the Jags hit back late on to turn the match on its head.
“It was my first start for the club, and I was just easing my way back into it. That was another tough game – we were very unlucky not to see it out. Hopefully it can be different this time round.
“You need to take your chances against these type of teams or they’ll punish you. They’ve got the quality to do that.
“I think we just need to believe in ourselves – we’re getting ourselves in those positions to get the chances in the first place, so if we can keep them coming the goals are going to come as well.”
There’s no doubt that Partick Thistle have made an impressive start to the campaign, grabbing eight wins out of 13 and currently sitting three points off leaders St Johnstone.
While McKinnon is quick to recognise the Maryhill side’s achievements, he says Airdrie are putting the work in as they aim to secure a home win in front of the television cameras.
“They’re a good team, and obviously they got a really good result at the weekend there. They’ve scored a lot of goals, so I’m sure they’ll be up for it – but the boys will be ready for that.
“We’ve been working hard, so there’s no reason why we can’t go out there and believe in ourselves to go and take something from the game. I think it’ll be a good one.”
And having been without a team between his Rangers departure and signing for the Diamonds at the end of August, Cole believes he’s now up to speed and fully settled in at the Albert Bartlett.
“Obviously we’re getting to know each others strengths and weaknesses now.
“It’s been good, I’ve really enjoyed my time here and we’re starting to gel together and work as a team more than individuals. It’s getting better each day and hopefully we can show that on Friday night.”
Caretaker manager Aaron Taylor-Sinclair is looking forward to another televised meeting with Partick.
“They’ll be full of confidence coming off the back of their victory against Queen’s Park, so it’s one we’ll need to be ready for.
“They pose a lot of threats from different areas of the pitch – but so do we. We’re the home team, we’ll be looking to stamp our authority on the game and impose our style.
“I think a Friday night game always give you an extra bit of edge, under the lights and live on national TV, so hopefully the boys are looking forward to it.”
The Diamonds’ interim boss described the squad’s injury situation as similar to last weekend, meaning Cammy Bruce, Dylan MacDonald, Rhys Armstrong and Alex King are likely to miss out again with only Craig Ross close to a return to action.
Midfielder Liam McStravick is back in contention following suspension, and goalkeeper Andy McNeil joins the squad after signing in midweek.
Duncan Nicolson referees his first match involving Airdrie this season. The whistler was in charge of one match featuring the Diamonds last year – December’s Scottish Cup win at Dundee North End.
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