Old Bhoy is taking Kerr of Stephen

Sep 21 2008 Gavin Berry

HERO keeper Stephen Robertson reckons his form can only get even better now he's got an extra pair of hands helping him out at Airdrie.

The Lanarkshire club appointed former Celtic shot-stopper Stewart Kerr as goalkeeping coach and Roberston is reaping the benefits.

Kerr's career was cruelly cut short at just 27 due to a serious back injury and Airdrie boss Kenny Black has given him a coaching chance.

Robertson is delighted and looking forward to working with the former Hoops man at the First Division outfit.

The 31-year-old was speaking after picking up his Co-operative Insurance Player of Round Two award after his standout performance in the penalty shoot-out win against Hearts.

Robbo said: "Stewart has only been at the club a couple of weeks but has his own ideas and has been brilliant for me.

"He puts across his views to Lee Hollis and myself and we bounce things off each other.

"Stewart played at the top level with Celtic. You can only learn from someone like that.

"He also played in England with Wigan so the more tips he gives Lee and I the better.

"Goalkeeping is a specialised position and not everyone knows how difficult it is - one mistake and it's a goal.

"If I have had a bad day I can talk to Stewart."

Robertson played down his award - which comes after he was voted August's SFL Player of the Month - and said: "The boys have given me a bit of stick with these awards.

"I didn't expect it because a few players scored hat-tricks and to be honest I was just happy the team got through - this is the icing on the cake."

The on-form keeper is now set to face former team-mate Marco Andreoni on Tuesday when the Diamonds meet Dundee United in the Co-operative Cup.

And Arabs midfielder David Robertson says the 20-year-old can help Craig Levein's men plot their opponents' downfall.

Andreoni was on loan at Airdrie last season but has returned to Tannadice.

Robertson - who netted United's winner the last time the teams met in the competition two years ago - revealed Andreoni has already given the lowdown on his old team-mates.

Robertson said: "Marco's ears must be sore with the United boys asking him about Airdrie.

"He rates them and says we're in for a tough time but I wouldn't expect anything less."