Queen of South vs Partick Thistle preview - McCusker misses out

Posted Saturday, March 17, 2012 by PA

Queen of the South will be without Marc McCusker against Partick Thistle.

Fellow striker Kevin Smith could make the bench despite a groin injury with everyone else in the Dumfries squad available to manager Gus McPherson.

McPherson said: "This is another huge game for us and we rose to the challenge well last weekend in a big game against Raith.

"We played with a lot of maturity in that one and if we adopt the same approach we may just get another three points and really start to shake things up at the foot of the table."

Partick's preparations suffered a blow at training on Friday when goalkeeper Scott Fox picked up a knock.

He is rated as a major doubt for the game with Ryan Scully on standby to deputise.

Firhill manager Jackie McNamara has already ruled out Darren Cole, Conrad Balatoni and Kal Naismith but Willie Kinniburgh could return.

McNamara is looking for his side to build on a fine performance in their last away game against Falkirk.

He said: "Queen of the South will be really fired up for this game but we played good controlled football at Falkirk last week and could have won that game. A similar approach is required in this game."