MADE IN MONKLANDS

It’s derby day for Albion Rovers and Airdrieonians. Both clubs are looking to their youngsters to build for the future. This time around it truly is a battle...

Dean Cairns has called for the young Airdrie stars to grasp their chance on Monklands Derby day after a tough start to the season.

The Diamonds secured their first point of the new term at New Broomfield against Arbroath but Cairns said he was disappointed not to get more.

Centre- back Cairns, who made his first start for the club last season in the derby, so far this season has been a key figure in the cash-strapped club’s defence.

The 20- year- old is now setting his targets on the first three points of the season at Cliftonhill to kick-start the campaign. He said: “It’s been a difficult start for us.

“We found ourselves in a tough Betfred Cup group but I felt that in some of the games we showed people what we are capable of.

“Forfar was a tough one to swallow as we really wanted to get off to a good start.

“Arbroath was another difficult task but again I felt we had enough chances to get more than a point.

“We have a young squad but lads such as myself have to grasp the chance we’ve been given and I’m just hoping I can continue to do that.”

He also praised the impact of new head coach Willie Aitchison. The defender said: “Willie has come in and brought different ideas to the table which the lads are trying to implement on the pitch.”

After suffering defeat on his January derby debut, Cairns is even more determined to get one over on Airdrie’s local rivals in his second attempt.

“My first start for the club was in the home game last year, which unfortunately we lost. I’m hoping I can get a taste of a positive result this time round,” said Cairns.

“We know what to expect going there and we have to be prepared to battle to get a positive result.”

Target Dean Cairns is hoping to secure his first win in Monklands derby