Airdrie vs Ayr preview - McLaren makes pit stop for Diamonds

Airdrie winger Willie McLaren is suspended as Ayr come to New Broomfield for the first leg of the Scottish First Division semi-finals.

The Diamonds will also be without the attacking threat of injured duo Graeme Owens and Phil Johnston.

Top scorer Ryan Donnelly returns from a two-game ban and full-back Jamie Bain is available after his own suspension, with experienced pair Paul Lovering and Derek Holmes both hoping to feature after knocks.

Diamonds manager Jimmy Boyle has instructed his charges to play to their strengths, saying: "We got into a play-off position by attacking teams and there is no point in changing things now.

"I will be sending my team out to win this game and then doing the same on Sunday."

Ayr have goalkeeper Kevin Cuthbert back from injury.

Cuthbert missed out against Falkirk on Saturday but will be fit to turn out for the Honest Men as they meet the Diamonds for a second time in three years on play-off duty.

John Robertson, Adam Dodd and Michael McGowan all sit out due to knocks and manager Brian Reid's options could be reduced further with Martyn Campbell and Gareth Wardlaw's participation in doubt.

Reid said: "Our players will need to stand big and strong for the entire game as Airdrie will be out to make this a really difficult evening for us.

"We will have a number of youngsters in our line up and they will have to put on a mature performance in what will be a fairly tough encounter."