Airdrie United vs Dumbarton preview - Stevenson set for Airdrie return

Airdrie include the returning Jamie Stevenson in their squad for the visit of Dumbarton after the midfielder agreed a deal to come back to the club on Thursday.

Injuries rule out full-back Graeme Goodhall, midfielder Sean Lynch and winger Alastair Woodburn - with Diamonds manager Jimmy Boyle out to build on the positive mood created by last weekend's 5-0 win over Stirling Albion in the Scottish Communities League Cup.

Boyle said: "Stirling may have gone down to nine players but teams have struggled in those circumstances in the past so we were delighted with the win and go into the game with Dumbarton in confident mood.

"They were tricky opponents for us all last season so we need to play well to get our league season up and running."

Dumbarton hope to include new signing David Winters in their ranks for the clash after he returned to Scotland following a spell in Vietnam.

Winters, 28, has been training at Falkirk and will start if all the necessary paperwork is completed, and he will be needed as the Sons have three players suspended and a further three facing fitness tests.

James Creaney, Martin McBride and Bryan Prunty are all serving bans while Martin McNiff, Ryan Borris and Pat Walker are struggling with injuries.

Dumbarton boss Alan Adamson said: "David had a short spell here about 18 months ago and showed what a quality player he is. I am looking forward to seeing him an action again in a tough game at Airdrie."