Stephen Craigan insists Motherwell fans consider Airdrie as their main Lanarkshire rivals instead of Hamilton Accies.
The Steelmen are set to face the Diamonds for the first time in 14 years after they were drawn together in the Premier Sports Cup group stages.
Craigan played in Motherwell's last meeting with Airdrie in the Scottish Cup in 2007 when Richie Foran scored the only goal of the game.
Given their geographical proximity and Premiership status, Hamilton have been viewed as Motherwell's closest rivals in the Lanarkshire Derby.
Craigan, however, believes the Fir Park faithful feel differently and he hopes they'll be allowed back in grounds before the clash.
“The Motherwell fans will be saying the real Lanarkshire derby is back,” he said.
“There’s no doubt that Hamilton and Motherwell have a rivalry but deep down, the Well fans would see their real rivalry being with Airdrie. It’s more deep-rooted with a little bit more intensity to it.
“I just hope both home and away fans are allowed into the ground at that stage because I think both would turn up in good numbers.
“It’s a long time since they have met in a competitive fixture. I played in that game back in January 2007 at Airdrie.
“I think I only played in one or two of those fixtures as Airdrie were unfortunately in the second or third tier but the Motherwell fans will certainly be looking forward to this one.”
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