Livingston vs Airdrie preview - Barr ban blow

Posted Tuesday, February 15, 2011 by PA

Livingston defender Craig Barr is suspended for the clash with Airdrie but centre-back Michael O'Byrne is available following a ban.

Defensive colleague Cameron McDonald remains sidelined with a hamstring problem, with Livi manager Gary Bollan telling his players to build on the fantastic opportunity they have given themselves by defeating Brechin and Ayr in their last two games.

Bollan said: "There is no point in defeating fellow title challengers and putting yourself in a strong position if you go out and lose the next game.

"We have to show the same desire we`ve shown in the last two games as I don`t want us to undo our recent good work."

Airdrie manager Jimmy Boyle is waiting on defender Eddie Forrest, midfielder Jamie Stevenson and striker Scott Gemmill before naming his line-up.

One player Boyle can include is midfielder Rhys Devlin, who returns after suspension.

Boyle said: "We can`t keep relying on battling to the end of the game despite not playing well, as if we don`t play well Livingston could have things dead and buried."

He added: "We`ve been without our three most experienced players for a couple of games now and if I could have at least a couple of them available to face Livingston that would be great."