AIRDRIE United manager Kenny Black is using his side's berth in the ALBA Challenge Cup final as a carrot to get his players performing with the consistency he craves ahead of today's home clash with league leaders Queen of the South.
"The players now have four cup finals, as well as what I see everyday in training to convince me that they are worthy of a place against Ross County," said Black. "No places are assured and when you consider that two of our most consistent players, M
arc Smyth and Kevin MacDonald, missed out last week you can see that we are building up a strong squad."
Queens manager Gordon Chisholm is looking for his players to use the experience they have gained in the past year to keep them at the top of the table, starting with a victory at New Broomfield. "Over the past year we have been in a major cup final and played in Europe. The players have learned how to handle things along the way and picked up good experience. Being top of the league means that everyone will give 10 per cent more when they play against us."
At the other end of the table, Morton manager David Irons has turned to a seasoned old campaigner to ignite the Greenock club's season and keep him in the managerial hot-seat. James Grady, 37, has signed on at Cappielow on an emergency loan deal for two months as Irons is under intense pressure ahead of today's home clash with Clyde
"There are elements of a must-win game about it," admitted Irons, "however it is important not to over-hype things."
The full article contains 278 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
