Queen of the South vs Stenhousemuir preview - Smith sits out Warriors battle

Second Division leaders and Ramsdens Cup finalists Queen of the South will be without Kevin Smith against Stenhousemuir.

Striker Smith is nursing a groin injury as Allan Johnston's side look to make it seven league wins in a row on Saturday.

Johnston has told his players to put April's final appearance against Partick Thistle to the back of their minds as they face cup finals every week before then.

"Getting to the Ramsdens final is great but the league remains our priority this season and we need to win a cup final every week to get promoted," said Johnston.

"Stenhousemuir have done really well this season and they will be difficult opponents. They have scored a lot of goals. We need to be on our guard."

Stenhousemuir will be without their first-choice central defensive partnership when they travel to Palmerston.

Ross McMillan is suspended and Scott Buist has been ruled out with a groin injury.

Manager Martyn Corrigan said: "It is not the ideal situation to be facing the top team in the league without these two guys but the players that come in have an opportunity to stake a claim for a starting jersey."

Up front the Warriors have the opposite problem, with Corrigan adding: "I have a lot to think about. John Gemmell came off the bench in our last game and scored twice and that has given me plenty of food for thought."