Scott Agnew says becoming a boss in his own right is his big ambition - but it'll still be Ian Murray's Airdrie without the manager present.
Murray has tested positive for Covid and will miss this afternoon's match with East Fife. Airdrie have won their last three League One games, their latest being a 1-0 victory against Dumbarton.
Agnew is Murray's assistant and will step into the manager's chair for the first time this afternoon, albeit on a very short-term basis.
People who test positive for Covid in Scotland are allowed to exit self-isolation after one week if they have no fever and record two negative lateral flow tests, and Agnew hopes Murray falls into that category.
The Diamonds take on Falkirk in a crucial League One promotion clash a week today, Murray's men currently third in the table.
Agnew said: "I'm stepping in for the manager so I will be taking charge. It will be as is and we will be looking to win the game. I don't know if he will be available or not for the Falkirk game.
"I think he might have been lucky enough to come into the seven day isolation period rather than the 10. But I don't know for sure.
"I am certainly hoping he is back for that game. It's a unique opportunity and it will be a good experience for me. The manager gives me a lot of responsibility anyway.
"So there won't be too much different to what we normally do. We have a set way of doing things. We have a way we prepare the players and I have a way I prepare myself. So nothing changes."
Agnew has played 16 of Airdrie's 19 league games this season, but he said of his selection: "I've played the last few games so I will need to speak to the manager!
"We always speak the night before games to finalise the team. So I will get a chat with him and see what he thinks is best."
The experienced midfielder has flourished in the role as Murray's assistant this season, something he enjoys. It's fuelled his ambition to become a manager one day.
When asked if becoming a boss was his big goal, Agnew said: "It definitely is. Obviously I am still playing at the moment but I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience working with the manager. He's been great with me.
"He gives me stuff to do and I have really enjoyed it. But it's the case of same as for now.
"We will be in communication to discuss the team. We speak all the time and I'll do my best to get his message across."
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