Airdrie scaring Ross County a marker of what we can do in Championship, says Josh O'Connor

Josh O'Connor reckons Airdrie giving Premiership Ross County a fright in the Viaplay Cup will act as a warning to teams in the Championship this season.

The Diamonds fought back from 3-1 down at half-time to tie the last 16 clash at 3-3, before losing 4-3 in extra-time to the Staggies.

Hibs loanee O'Connor was the catalyst for the Airdrie fightback. His introduction from the bench led to the penalty that Calum Gallagher netted in 82 minutes to add to an earlier strike, while O'Connor then bagged an 89th minute equaliser.

It was not enough, though, as Eamonn Brophy's 101st minute header sent the Staggies through.

But ahead of Saturday's league clash at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle, O'Connor believes it shows just what the Diamonds are capable of this season.

He said: “It was a strong performance against a good Ross County side, although we are disappointed to lose in the end.

“Hopefully it’s a marker for what we can do against any team who comes here this season. We fought back and got ourselves into the game.

“There are a couple of mistakes we can get rid of in the goals we conceded - especially the one at the back post which lost us the game.

“But if we can get those mistakes out of our game, I think we’ll do really well in the Championship.

“There are a lot of good players here, it’s tough competition. But if I can produce performances like that, then I’ll stick myself in the team."

O'Connor - the son of Hibs legend Garry - is thriving under the tutelage of player-boss Rhys McCabe and he believes their relationship is paying dividends for the Diamonds.

The 19-year-old, who has two goals in seven appearances so far, said: “It’s the ideal move for me at this stage of my career. The gaffer has been top class with