Queen of South vs Falkirk preview - Triple trouble for Doonhamers

Queen of the South manager Gus McPherson needs to assess three experienced players before facing Falkirk in the Scottish First Division.

Defender Craig Reid has injured an ankle, centre-back John Potter suffered concussion against Dundee in midweek and midfield powerhouse Stephen McKenna is struggling with a calf problem.

McPherson said: "These guys will be given until the last minute to show they are ready, as they are vital players to us particularly in a game as important as this one.

"Whoever we send out can go out with confidence as we have done well to bring points back from both Morton and Dundee.

"Falkirk are still shooting for second place so this will be a really competitive game but one we can win."

Falkirk have a fully-fit squad with the exception of Stewart Murdoch.

The Bairns are looking to build on their 3-0 midweek success over Hamilton but will do so without the 21-year-old midfielder who is suffering with a broken foot.

The club's technical director Alex Smith is warning the Bairns to be ready for a difficult afternoon.

He said: "Queen of the South is a difficult venue at the best of times but this will be even harder than normal as they will be fighting for their lives.

"We will have to be at our best as they will be taking the field after a good result against Dundee in midweek.

"But we want to get back into the second place that we occupied for most of the season."