Queen of South vs Albion Rovers preview - Boss suspended after red card

Queen of the South player-manager Allan Johnston is suspended for the visit of Albion Rovers following his sending-off against East Fife last weekend.

The Palmerston manager will be joined on the sidelines by Kevin Smith and Willie Gibson, but Daniel Carmichael could return after a knock.

The Doonhamers have high-profile cup-ties to come soon against Hibs and Rangers, with Johnston hoping his players use this game to claim a starting jersey.

Johnston said: "There are no easy games in the Second Division and you have to look for an extra edge to win. Hopefully the thought of playing in the cup games will see the players motivated to see off an Albion side that I have had watched and who have decent players in their ranks."

Albion Rovers are hoping striker Steven Howarth can overcome the chest infection that saw him miss training this week to lead their attack.

Right-back Alan Reid should overcome a groin injury to play, but left-back Barry Russell is absent with a knee problem and Tony Stevenson sits out the final match of his four-game ban.

Boss Todd Lumsden is still waiting for a first goal and his first points of the season, and said: "It is a case of wanting someone to take a shot, score a goal and win a game for us.

"Up until last weekend's game with Alloa we had been playing well but that was a disappointing performance. Palmerston will be a hard venue this season but we will give it a real go."