Airdrie boss Ian Murray has warned his players they need to be game ready or they will find themselves bombed out the squad following last night's SPFL Trust Trophy exit to Queen's Park on penalties.
The Diamonds face the Spiders again on League One duty next week at Firhill and after Airdrie - who returned to action after a Covid outbreak sidelined them last week - let their lead slip late on to force the shootout, Murray was left frustrated by his squad.
The hosts were 1-0 up thanks to Callum Smith's first half strike, but a penalty four minutes from time gifted the Spiders the chance of an equaliser. They they duly took the opportunity through Grant Gillespie to force the game straight to the shootout, which the visitors won 5-4.
Substitute Sam Walker gave away the late spot-kick for a foul on Louis Longridge just moments after being introduced by Murray and he said: "It's basic individual errors that are costing the team.
"I hold my hands up, in that I made the substitution. I'm trying to get guys game time going into a very busy period, but the buck has to stop somewhere.
"We talk about game time for players all the time, but you've got to earn it.
"I emphasised that to the players after that game, that the next four or five weeks are big for us to try and get up the table and if you are not ready, you are not in the team - you are not in the squad.
"We've got a lot of players coming back soon, which gives us great options on the bench but if you are not on the bench, you are not on the bench."
Airdrie were ravaged by Covid and self-isolation, forcing last week's League One clash with Alloa to be postponed.
They were still somewhat depleted for the clash at New Broomfield, naming just four substitute with no sub goalkeeper, but Murray was pleased with the overall performance given the circumstances.
He added: "It was keenly contested by both sides. It was a good cup tie, actually.
"Both teams were up for it, but we are disappointed with the outcome.
"I couldn't have asked any more of the players for their work rate and commitment.
"Over the last two weeks it's been an exceptional effort from everyone.
"We are disappointed with the result but the positive thing is it's got us back into the swing of things going into the league fixtures.
"For the first 30 minutes we dominated the game and showed really good quality.
"Understandably, we tired and Queen's Park came into the game because they are a good side.
"I think frustrated is the word to use."
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