Airdrie new boy bags debut goal then sets sights on old side East Kilbride in Premier Sports Cup

Diamonds defender Dylan MacDonald says he is relishing the step up to full-time football after joining Airdrie from Lowland League East Kilbride in the summer.

And after grabbing a debut goal for his new side at the weekend, the right-back says he is now setting his sights on downing his old club when the competitive action starts later this month.

The 20-year-old was a standout for Kilby as they won the Lowland League title last term and Diamonds boss Rhys McCabe swooped this summer to secure a switch across Lanarkshire.

Ironically, MacDonald will face his old side in the first competitive game of the season when Airdrie welcome EK to New Broomfield for their Premier Sports League Cup group stage opener on Tuesday, July 16.

And having opened his account for Airdrie with the opener in Saturday’s 4-0 friendly win over Albion Rovers, MacDonald says Kilby are next in his sights.

He said: “I’m delighted to get in and get my first 45 minutes for the club, and to get my first goal as well was brilliant. I don’t score many and I think it hit my shoulder a bit, but I will take it.

“It has been brilliant here. Compared to part-time, it’s totally different being in every day with the boys and it is great to be here. Training has been tough but I’m enjoying it and getting minutes in the legs. I’m ready to go.

“The style of play is similar to my last club at East Kilbride and I am hoping I can do as well here. I am buzzing for that game against East Kilbride, hopefully I will get a wee go in that game.

“I’ve not spoken to Mick [Kennedy, the EK boss] or anyone at the club about it but hopefully I can do my talking in the game and maybe get a wee goal as well, maybe put a few by them. It will be a strange one, coming so soon, but hopefully I can show them why I made the move.”

MacDonald has previous full-time experience, having come through at Premiership side St Mirren a few years ago, and he is determined to show boss McCabe he has what it takes to be a regular for the Diamonds

He added: “Being full-time again was the big thing and I am hoping I can kick on as much as I can. The gaffer just told me to keep doing what I’ve been doing, don’t be nervous and just go out and play for him.

“I want to help the team get promoted, play as many games as I can and, hopefully, keep progressing. I’d love to play every minute I can. The gaffer says if you are good enough, you will play so hopefully I can do that here.”

Airdrie are in Belfast for a five-day training camp and face Crusaders in a friendly tonight, kick-off 7.30pm.

”I’m buzzing for the trip,” said MacDonald. “We are away for five days – Monday to Friday – and it will be double sessions and the match. I knew quite a few of the boys already so that has helped me settle in. Dean McMaster, Gavin Gallagher, Rhys Armstrong and Lewis McGrattan are all guys I know so that was one of the reasons why I came here as well. But it will be a good chance for us all to get to get to know each other better.”

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