Queen of South vs Ross County preview - Doonhamers down on strike power

Posted Saturday, January 14, 2012 by PA

Queen of the South will again be missing injured strikers Kevin Smith and Marc McCusker when they host Ross County.

Goalkeeper Roddy McKenzie left the Palmerston Park club by mutual consent during the week so youngster James Atkinson will provide back-up to Lee Robinson.

Gus McPherson's side secured a morale-boosting win over Partick in the Scottish Cup last weekend.

"It is amazing what one result can do and the players have been flying in training this week," said McPherson.

"Ross County are where they are on merit but it would be great if we could take something from this game to build confidence up even further."

Ross County manager Derek Adams will include Michael Gardyne in his squad despite the striker signing a pre-contract agreement to join Dundee United in the summer.

Adams said: "I have no issue at all with including Michael in the squad as I am sure he will continue to play his part well in our season."

Defenders Jonny Flynn and Marc Fitzpatrick remain out through injury.

Adams added: "We need all our players on form as Queen of the South will take a lot of confidence from winning at Partick Thistle last weekend into this game.

"Their home record is decent and we have to take the form we showed last week against Stenhousemuir to pick up the three points."