COWDENBEATH start their pre-season brace of friendlies on Saturday when they take on League 1 Airdrie in Lanarkshire.

And featuring in the squad set to head for the Penny Cars Stadium will be striker Jordan Allan who re-signed for the Blue Brazil at the weekend.

Prior to a training match v Civil Service Strollers at St Andrews on Saturday, manager Gary Bollan met with Jordan to fix him up for next season. Mr Bollan said: “I am delighted that Jordan has put pen to paper for us once more.

“I think our fans saw Jordan’s quality last season and I am confident he can kick on in the season ahead and do even better.

“It means the striking department is well covered but we still have areas to strengthen with the left hand side and midfield areas needing attention.”

Meanwhile the manager is hoping to get his new goalkeeper aboard in time for the trip to Airdrie: “Things are looking hopeful for our new ‘keeper joining us for training on Thursday and making his first appearance at Airdrie but we also need to acquire a second goalkeeper also.

“Everyone is looking forward to the match with the Diamonds who have added to their squad over the past few weeks and will be looking to compete hard for honours in League 1.

“It will be an interesting test but these games are first and foremost about getting players up to speed for the big kick-off.

“We also have Raith Rovers next Tuesday night at Kirkcaldy, again a team that will be looking to win the League 1 title, so these games will be excellent in helping us prepare for the Betfred Cup and League.”

The manager was taken aback by the car accident which occurred involving David Cox and Robbie Buchanan last Tuesday night on their way to training at their St Andrews base.

He said: “It was quite an accident and we were fortunate that the lads were not seriously hurt. They were quite badly shaken by the experience but managed to walk away from the scene and hopefully will be ready to play a part in this Saturday’s game with Airdrie”.

After next Tuesday’s friendly it is on to the Betfred Cup with back to back home games within four days against East Fife and Hearts.

The draw for the Challenge Cup, now known as the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup, has paired Cowdenbeath with the winner of the first round tie between Hearts Colts and Albion Rovers with the tie going ahead at either Cliftonhill or in Edinburgh on either Tuesday or Wednesday August 13 or 14.