EXPECT FIREWORKS

Defeat last time will give us extra spark on Saturday, says Ryan Focus on us, or we’ll get our fingers burnt, Young warns Rovers

Andy Ryan insists motivation won’t be a problem for Airdrieonians on derby day.

It has been a turbulent few days for the Diamonds who have replaced head coach Kevin McBride with Mark Wilson and installed Gordon Dalziel as director of football.

Airdrie lost the opening

Darren Young says Albion Rovers will focus on themselves ahead of their derby showdown.

The Coatbridge men face an Airdrieonians side reeling from dramatic off-field events this week.

But Rovers player/manager Young insists he won’t allow Diamonds dugout changes to distract his side, who triumphed at New Broomfield in September.

And the 38-year-old said: “I think it has been pretty turbulent over there but that has nothing to do with us.

“All of their players will be looking to prove a point

to the new manager and show that they are good enough to be starting games.

“But we will concentrate on what we do and our own players.

“It’s sad to see Kevin McBride go. I thought he did a good job for Airdrie and I wish him all the very best for the future.

“But our focus is on the game. We beat them earlier in the season, so we’re feeling confident.”

Young — who hopes onloan Hamilton Accies star Steven Boyd will return from injury — reckons the 2- 0 victory in ML6 has helped kick-start Rovers’ campaign.

Rovers drew at Alloa Athletic on Saturday and are now fifth in the League One standings.

He said: “I think that result has certainly given the team a lot more belief.

“These guys, in my view, are better than they think they are. They are a great group to work with.

“We’ve spoken about our aims and we want to consolidate then look to kickon from there.”