JAMES MCPAKE has praised the work of former Par Rhys McCabe ahead of this afternoon’s trip to Airdrieonians.

But, whilst anticipating a tough game against a Diamonds side firmly in the hunt for a promotion play-off spot, the Dunfermline gaffer played down suggestions that a win at the Excelsior Stadium would be a “statement” result.

The teams drew 1-1 at East End in August but this fixture, rearranged having been postponed in December, will be one of two meetings they’ll have in successive weeks.

With nearest challengers Falkirk having drawn at Alloa Athletic on Tuesday evening, Dunfermline, having played a game fewer, can extend their advantage to seven points with victory in North Lanarkshire.

McPake, who will have Rhys Breen fit after he picked up an ankle knock in the win over Montrose, is not underestimating the task facing his side, with Airdrie having lost only once in their last 11 League One outings.

“They’re a good side,” he told Press Sport.

“I like their manager and I like the way his team plays. It will be a tough game.

“They’re on a really good run, but so are we, so it’s one we’re really looking forward to, but they’ll be looking forward to it as well.

“We’ve seen lots of them since the game in August, whether ourselves, or the scouts going to watch them. I like the way Rhys sets his team up; they’ve got a good staff, with (Callum) Fordyce and (Bryan) Prunty as well, who are good coaches, so they’ll be set up well.

“They do have a set way of playing, and it’s up to us to try and put our game to them, our game plan, and how we’re going to hurt them, and stop them at the same time.”

When asked if three points would be a statement result for his side, McPake replied: “I’m not so sure it would be a statement result.

“They are a good side in the league. We’ll have another good away support; we’ve got an expectation from them to go and do well and perform. That’s what we plan to do.

“We know every game we play are tough, but it’s just like going to Kelty, going to Falkirk, or going anywhere in this league; it’s just another away game that we want to go and take positives from by performing well. Hopefully, by doing that, we get a positive result.”

On Breen, McPake said: "Rhys has trained. It was a miraculous recovery from the big man.

"He has not got a serious injury; he got a shock in the game and we are really pleased that he was okay come the start of the week.

"Hammy (Chris Hamilton) did recover fine, but that’s the way he plays. He enjoys that side of the game and if there is someone that will stand up to that then it’s Chris Hamilton.

"In my opinion people look at the right way of playing football - you have got to get the ball down and build from the back and pass it - but people like Chris Hamilton doing that side of the game for me is equally important, if not as important. Even the top teams have all got that side to them.

“It gives me a lot of heart when we show that side."

The manager also offered a further update on Paul Allan, who hasn't played since August, adding: "Paul is now kicking the ball and he will start in training at the start of next week, hopefully.

"He has spent the last couple of days with the sport science department and topping his fitness up while doing his footballing stuff on the pitch. He is doing individualised stuff but come next Monday or Tuesday we will hopefully get him back in with the group.

"That’s a massive positive for us, a new signing!"