Queen of South vs Forfar Athletic preview - Doonhamers bring in Hopkirk for season opener

Queen of the South have added former Hamilton midfielder David Hopkirk to their squad on the eve of their opening Second Division match against visitors Forfar.

The teenager could start as the Doonhamers trio of Daniel Carmichael, Kevin Smith and Willie Gibson are all injury doubts.

Player/manager Allan Johnston said: "This is a massive game for us as we want to start the season well, particularly at home. Forfar had a great result over Dunfermline recently and that shows how strong they are.

"This will be a real test as not only do they have a physical strength but they have added a lot of pace to their armoury. We have won two cup ties and it would be great to chalk up that first win in the league now."

Forfar travel to Palmerston Park with goalkeeper Derek Soutar available after injury kept him out of the 2-0 defeat to Partick last weekend.

The creative Martyn Fotheringham is missing for the Loons through suspension and Jamie Bishop continues to be out due to a knock, with manager Dick Campbell looking to make changes following the reverse at the hands of the Jags.

Campbell said: "I am very happy with the squad we have put together but there were one or two things that disappointed me in our game last weekend.

"Partick are a good side but we did not do as well as we should so I will make one or two positional changes for a difficult game at Queen of the South."