McLaren debut can spur United

Posted Saturday, November 12, 2011 by PA

Airdrie United's new signing Willie McLaren is poised for his second debut against Forfar after joining the club for a second time on loan from Hamilton.

But United will look to bounce back from last week's horror show against Albion without suspended pair David Lilley and Paul Lovering.

Sean Lynch is sidelined through injury, and Phil Johnston, Fraser Keast and John Boyle are all doubtful, while defender Chris Malone has been released by mutual consent.

Manager Jimmy Boyle, hoping his side have learned their lessons after their 7-2 defeat last Saturday, said: "It was a dreadful experience for everyone.

"But we have to hope that it will be the making of some of the players as they now know how hard football can be and that they show it against Forfar."

Forfar defender David Mowat returns after injury as the Loons look for their first league win in seven games.

Mark McCulloch and Graham Gibson are both in a race to be fit, but long-term injury victim Jordan Brown misses out.

Airdrie were thumped 7-2 at Albion last week, but Forfar assistant manager Ian Campbell has told his men to be wary of a wounded animal.

Campbell said: "Airdrie will be hurting after losing seven goals last weekend and will be out to show what they can do against us to make up for that.

"We were gritty in our draw last week at Brechin and will need to show those qualities again to get ourselves moving back up the table again."