STEPHEN CRAIGAN is looking forward to an old pals' reunion as his Motherwell kids get set for a landmark Lanarkshire derby.

The Steelmen's U20s are in action against local rivals Airdrieonians, who travel to Fir Park for the first time in a national competition for 24 years in the Irn Bru Challenge Cup.

Expectations are high among the Well support that their young bucks can pull off a shock following last season's Youth Cup triumph, not to mention the fact they defeated Edinburgh City to set up the meeting with the Diamonds.

In the opposite dug out U20s head coach Craigan will see former team-mate Kevin McBridge, while Airdrie will be captained by ex-Motherwell man Marc Fitzpatrick.

It's a touch which adds an extra element of spice to the occasion, and Craigan is relishing the prospect.

"Kevin stays up near where I stay and after the draw he drove by me and said 'We're coming to get you!'," laughed the Northern Irishman.

"I've been really impressed with what Kevin has done. I played with him at Motherwell so I know what his attributes are and how he wants to play.

"I've known Marc Fitzpatrick really well and he's a good competitor. He puts himself about."

"It's a big test for us. We've worked on it, we've had them analysed, and we have a structure we want to play to. If we carry it out and be competitive in the game I'll be delighted."

Motherwell pulled in a bumper crowd of 400 earlier this month for the 2-1 win over Edinburgh City, and Craigan is hoping fans will come out in force again this evening.

"This may be seen as a competition that people don't like but for the U20 players it's great," he added. "It gets us the experience of playing at Fir Park and against a senior team who are full-time.

"I don't know how many of our players know much about the rivalry with Airdrie but certainly it's something the fans always look forward to, so we want to put on a good show.

"We had a about 400 in the last game against Edinburgh City, but this is what it's all about. It's character building."