Queen of South vs Livingston preview - Doonhmaers wait on trio

Rock-bottom Queen of the South are sweating over the fitness of three players ahead of their vital clash with Livingston at Palmerston Park.

Defensive pair Craig Reid and John Potter, along with midfielder Stephen Simmons, are being given until Saturday lunchtime to show that they can take the field.

Stephen McKenna is in line for a start after coming through a substitute appearance last weekend following a calf strain and Daniel Carmichael is also available after a training ground knock earlier in the week.

Doonhamer boss Gus McPherson said: "This is another must-win game for us. The boys have handled other must wins against Ayr and Raith Rovers well and need to do the same in this one."

Livingston are again without a trio of players through injury.

Jason Talbot, Jonathan Brown and Liam Fox will all miss out, while striker Iain Russell a doubt because of a hand problem.

The Lions have been in sparkling form on away days recently with four wins in a row achieved through scoring 14 goals, however manager John Hughes knows that his side will be facing a Doonhamer side extremely determined to end that run.

Hughes said: "They are battling for the lives so we know that we face a really tough afternoon, however if we stick to our principles of passing the ball we will do well.

"Our away form recently has been very good and we are looking to keep that going in Dumfries."