Gartcairn excitement is building ahead of West of Scotland League Premier Division kick-off

Gartcairn boss Mick Dunlop says excitement is building as the Airdrie club prepare to make their first steps in the West of Scotland Premier Division.

Dunlop’s side kick off their top-flight campaign at home to Largs Thistle, before travelling to Hurlford United on Tuesday.

And he says everybody at MTC Park is raring to go.

“We’ve earned the right to be there after the success of last year, and having strengthened the squad, we’re ready for the challenge ahead and looking forward to it,” said Dunlop.

“Pre-season has been good. It’s always a bit up and down with guys on holidays and injuries, so you never really get to put your strongest team on the pitch.

“But it has been good, we’ve had five games – three wins, one draw and a defeat, so it has been decent enough.

“It gave me a chance to get guys playing in different positions and get a look at different things.

“I’m happy with what I’ve brought in. We brought in six or seven, and I’m happy with where we are.

“You always want to try and improve if you can, so if there are one or two other things I could get done then I’d probably look to do it, but I’m pretty pleased with what we’ve done so far.”

Dunlop added: “It’s now the build-up to the first competitive game and we’re looking forward to it.

“Once you start playing games you get a better feel for where you are.”

Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport onTwitter via@LanLiveSport, like us onFacebookor find us onInstagramfor the latest sports news, pictures and video.