Falkirk vs Queen of the South preview - Bairns unchanged for Doonhamers clash

Posted Saturday, January 15, 2011 by PA

Falkirk are expected to name an unchanged squad for the visit of a Queen of the South side they have beaten twice already this season.

Only striker Tam McManus is unavailable to manager Steven Pressley as he struggles to overcome injury.

The Bairns boss is glad to be back in the thick of games, saying: "After seven weeks of hardly playing we played in midweek and now have a game on Saturday and again next midweek.

"It is great to have the players back on the pitch playing games.

"This will be a tough one as Queens are a very good side that are well organised by Kenny Brannigan and like to play good football. They have good strikers so we need to be on our guard throughout."

Queen of the South have been left with just 12 players with first-team experience after injuries to defender David Lilley and midfielder Rocco Quinn.

The Doonhamers have 10 outfield players available and now have only two goalkeepers as Lee Robinson has been released following the expiration of his contract.

Manager Kenny Brannigan said: "It is a terrible situation but we are not getting the crowds to sustain a bigger squad, and when you get a couple of injuries you are left really struggling.

"I am hoping the boys rise out of this adversity to put on a real battling performance as that is what will be needed."

Untried youngsters from the Dumfries club`s youth set-up will fill spare places on the substitute bench.