Former Airdrie favourite Andy Smith believes that the Diamonds’ focus will be on League One glory rather than Betfred Cup points.
The retired striker spent five successful years at Broomfield, and spent a season late in his playing career at Clyde during their time in the First Division.
The 1992 Scottish Cup final hero reckons the Group F clash this Sunday won’t be the focus for Ian Murray’s men – with a top four finish the main aim.
“It’s very early in the season for both teams. Both teams might not be looking to get through but it’s about getting through these games and building up for the new season,” he told the Airdrie and Coatbrudge Advertiser.
“Every team wants to get through to the next round, but from watching the games in the Betfred Cup in previous years for any team it’s about building up for the start of the league season.
“If you’ve done well in the Betfred Cup and got a few points then that’s a big bonus.
“For Airdrie, this season has got to be about getting out of that third tier.
“It’s very much still pre-season for them in my opinion and that top four in League One has got to be the priority.
“It can be tough for the smaller clubs going into these games.
“You don’t really know what to expect from the bigger team in your group, and you might not be ready for the game yet yourself.
“For Airdrie, with the hybrid model, the league has got to be the total focus.”
Smith, who was part of the Clyde side who narrowly missed out on promotion to the top flight in 2004, heaped praise on gaffer Danny Lennon and warned League One fans they could be a surprise package this season: “Danny and Allan [Moore] have done a great job at Clyde, they are both really great coaches.
“They have done fantastically well to finally get Clyde out of the bottom tier.
“Obviously they have a good bunch of lads there and they will be looking to use the Betfred Cup to build on that.”
