will be backing his beloved Diamonds on Monklands Derby day – but expect a family feud with son Lewis cheering on his Albion Rovers teammates.
The Lovering household will be a tense place this weekend ahead of the huge Scottish Cup clash at Cliftonhill.
Ex-skipper Paul proudly wore the diamond during his near decade of service to the club.
However, after penning a deal this summer Lewis is looking to make the breakthrough in ML5.
Lewis said it was never “too big a thing” with former Airdrie assistant boss Paul as he signed for the League Two neighbours.
He told the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser : “My dad just wants the best for me. He did have a couple of things to say, but really he was just buzzing for me to get the chance to play at that level.”
Having watched Airdrie and Paul play against Rovers in Coatbridge Lewis says he has 100 per cent switched allegiances.
“I’ve watched my dad in these derby games from the Airdrie side of things, but now I’d rather we win in the Scottish Cup rather than them,” the 19-year-old added.
Paul joked: “I’m sure on the day it will be an interesting conversation!
“It should be a great tie for both clubs. I know Kevin Harper and Ian Murray really well and I’m sure they will be desperate to get a result.”
The proud dad admits he wants to see a win for Ian Murray’s men – but still hopes to see Lewis make his first-team debut soon for the local rivals.
He went on: “It’s nice to see Lewis getting to that level.
“For him to sign with Albion Rovers was great but Airdrie still holds a place in my football heart.”
Lewis, who is currently on loan at the Caledonian Braves in the Lowland League , says Rovers tag as underdogs will help them this weekend.
He said: “Last season Kevin did an unbelievable job when everybody thought Albion Rovers would go down.
“For a lot of this season we have been the underdogs again. We might not have done as well as we can do but I think we can really kick on.
“The boys have the ability to play at a higher level.
“It’s a big challenge to show we can compete with the big teams, but Kevin and Joe [McLaughlin] are absolutely brilliant and bring the best out of everybody.
“They will have the experience of big games in the Scottish Cup.”
Retired defender Paul says there is more pressure on the visitors, but reckons former Hibs teammate Murray will have the team well prepared: “Scottish Cup day was always massive for me as a player and for the supporters.
“Knowing Ian he will have the guys up for it. You have to have the professionalism to not underestimate the players you’re playing against.
“They always push everybody in training.”
When pushed for a winner, the family feud rumbled on.
Paul said: “ Airdrie of course.”
Lewis responded: “Rovers – no surprises there!”
