Airdrie's Scotland Under-21 goalkeeper Grant Adam will start against promotion rivals East Fife after recovering from a face injury.

Adam was carried off while appearing for the Under-21s in against Italy in midweek, but has returned to full training since and will play and midfielder Sean Lynch returns from a two-game ban.

But top goalscorer Ryan Donnelly is suspended and Ewan McNeil and Graeme Owens are both missing through injury.

Manager Jimmy Boyle said: "This will not be a game for the faint-hearted as a win is crucial for both sides.

"They're a good team and we've not beaten them this season, so this would be a perfect time to put that right."

East Fife manager Gordon Durie was looking forward to travelling to Airdrie with a full-strength squad until two players picked up knocks in training on Thursday.

Durie was not willing to give Diamonds boss Jimmy Boyle any clues as to their identity, saying only: "It will be late on Saturday lunchtime before I know if these guys will be available.

"They're both major players and I don't wish to name them for what is a crucial game.

"The two sides have done well to claw themselves into the play-off race in the last quarter of the season.

"I'm sure that like us, Airdrie will be very determined to win this game and be in a good place for the final weekend."