Inverness look to avoid same treatment as Dundee

Posted Tuesday, March 23, 2010 by PA

Inverness striker Richie Foran is available for the visit of bottom side Airdrie after serving a two-game ban.

Foran is expected to go straight back into Terry Butcher's starting line-up against a Lanarkshire side who stunned leaders Dundee 3-0 at the weekend.

Butcher has a fully-fit squad at his disposal as the Highlanders look to close the three-point gap on the Dark Blues at the top of the table.

Assistant manager Maurice Malpas said: "Airdrie have beaten Dundee twice and also knocked Queen of the South out of the Scottish Cup with a 4-0 scoreline this season, so we need to be at our best to win.

"We played well in the second half against Ross County and we need to start with that form in this one."

Airdrie manager Kenny Black loses Frankie Lagana but welcomes back Tom Parrat for the clash.

Midfielder Lagana is unavailable through suspension as the Diamonds chase consecutive wins for the first time this season, with Parrat returning into Black's thoughts after working his way back to full fitness.

And after United`s memorable triumph at the weekend, Black is hoping his side can build on the result against second-placed Inverness to keep their hopes of avoiding the drop alive.

He said: "We have struggled all season to go on a run after a good result and if we can do that on this occasion then we will have increased hope that we can survive.

"We have shown what we can do and we have to keep that going especially as it looks like Morton and Ayr are hitting a bit of form as well."