Airdrie v Dumbarton: Diamonds star Calum Gallagher aims to build momentum for league in Viaplay Cup

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Calum Gallagher insists Airdrie want to build momentum in the Viaplay League Cup this month to take them into their Championship return in August.And the Diamonds striker believes they have the quality to do just that after a promising pre-season campaign.Airdrie rounded off their preparations last week with a trip to Coleraine in Northern Ireland, where Gallagher netted a hat-trick and new signing Nikolay Todorov also scored in a 4-2 win over Dungannon Swifts.Now the competitive action starts on Saturday when they host Gallagher’s old side, League Two Dumbarton, in their League Cup Group E opener.It is a section that also includes Premiership Dundee, Championship Inverness and League Two Bonnyrigg Rose, but Gallagher says they are capable of qualifying for the knockout rounds, which would be ideal preparation for the league after last season’s promotion-winning campaign.‘Gal’ said: “The Viaplay Cup is coming early doors so there will still be a lot of ironing out.

But it is a great opportunity to see where we are and, hopefully, get used to winning games of football.“Momentum can be everything in football and to take some wins into the start of the league season could be invaluable.“It would be a great start to qualify from the group, but I think getting the performances right is just as important for us.“We are a team coming off the back of a successful season, used to winning games of football, but now it is about getting the new guys used to the style and, hopefully, building on those levels for the season to come.“If we can do all that, I’ve got no doubt we’ve got the quality in the squad to progress in this competition.