Queen of the South V Saints Preview

Next week it's Ayr United in the cup and a chance to make it into the quarter finals for the first time since 1987 but, for now, there are more important matters to deal with. We're third in the league after last week's much needed victory over Airdrie United, and are currently nine points above second bottom Partick Thistle. Nothing to panic about, but it would be nice to get to the forty points mark and relative safety sooner rather than later. When you consider we went from now until the end of the season managing just three wins, two after safety was assured, you'll understand that we can't afford to be big headed and think we're safe.

There are some injury worries ahead of tomorrow's trip to Dumfries. Captain Kevin McGowne has an ankle knock and could be out which, if you're me, is good news as it could mean Mark Dempsie comes into the side. Laurie Ellis will probably still be missing as he picked up a knock during the week. The bad news is that veteran midfielder Mark Reilly is struggling and could miss out. That would be a big blow, as Reilly has done really well since signing for Saints in the summer. There is some good news, with John Baird free from suspension and Allan Russell fit again.

It will be interesting to see who starts up front. Stewart Kean will obviously be one of the strikers, having scored three in three, but who partners him will be interesting. John O'Neill didn't do too badly last week and would love to play and score against his former side, whilst Brian McGinty came off the bench to create the goal. Russell is another choice, as he has done relatively well when he has been given a chance over the past few weeks.

Up front for QOS will be Alex Williams, who is on loan from Morton. Their fans have been telling us for the past few years that Williams is a superb player, destined for great things and Scotland caps. That's obviously why they've loaned him out, as they realise it will be a while until they make it into division two. Good thinking. Williams must be watched tomorrow and punted as early as possible. Other QOS danger men include Steve Bowey, Brian McLaughlin and Derek Lyle, who all did well against us in the 2-2 draw at Love Street.

Our away record under Gus is poor, and QOS are one of two teams we've failed to beat in the league this season. I reckon it'll be a defeat, with the Doonhammers winning 2-0.