Duo struggling for Ayr visit

Queen of the South's Mark Campbell and Ryan McGuffie are unlikely to be fit in time to face Ayr.

The experienced duo returned to training on Thursday after injury but Doonhamer boss Gus McPherson does not want to rush them back too soon in the bottom-of-the-table clash.

McPherson said: "It would be a risk to play these guys and I have to also be fair to the young lads, Stephen Black and Kevin Holt, who have come in and done really well.

"There is a prize for us for winning in that we move off bottom spot but Ayr have the equal motivation of keeping us there so we will have to play well to take anything. We picked up a good point at Morton last weekend and are looking to build on that."

Ayr have a full squad for their trip to Dumfries with the exception of long-term absentee Martyn Campbell.

The defender is the brother of the Doonhamer's Mark.

Recently signed striker Tam McManus could be in line for a start.

Somerset Park boss Brian Reid said: "Our midweek game against Partick took a lot out of the side due to the conditions it was played in and I will look to freshen things up as result.

"I was a player at Palmerston for a few years so I know how difficult it can be for visiting teams to get a win there but we are unbeaten in four away games and really want to make that five."