Si wants to finish on a high

AIRDRIE defender Simon Mensing admits it’s crucial they beat Queen’s Park today to go into the play-offs on a high.

Brechin and East Fife could yet pip third-placed Diamonds today if they don’t dispose of Spiders.

But ahead of Wednesday’s first knockout battle for promotion, former Hamilton star Mensing is determined to finish in style.

He said: “We’re in a great position but we want to go out on a high and put in a good performance.

“We’re looking for third but going into the play-offs with momentum is vital.”

Gus MacPherson isn’t too downbeat after Spiders’ defeat by Stenhousemuir last weekend all but ended their hopes of a play-off spot.

After starting the season as favourites to be relegated, the gaffer said: “We’ll look back on the season with a lot of pride – and every player should feel that way.” IAIN DAVIDSON insists Raith players must be “big enough and man enough” to take their gaffer’s slaughtering on the chin and seal survival today.

Rovers manager John Hughes accused his squad of not caring about the club’s future as they crashed 5-0 to relegation rivals St Mirren last weekend.

Midfielder Davidson missed the Paisley hammering because of illness but said: “That’s the way the boss is – straight to the point.

“The boys would probably have spoken about it among themselves. But they know they haven’t been good enough and we’re second bottom for a reason.

“You have to be big enough and man enough to take criticism. The boys do care and hopefully the gaffer might get a reaction after what he said. We want this to be our last game of this season.”

Even if Raith win they are reliant on Hibs beating St Mirren to be spared a play-off.

Ayr must beat Rovers by five goals to stay up and boss Ian McCall said: “We need to be ready from the first whistle as Raith will come up flying after all the stuff from John this week.”