Queen of South vs Ayr Utd. preview - McShane misses out

Posted Saturday, March 09, 2013 by PA

Midfielder Ian McShane is the only absentee for runaway leaders Queen of the South's clash with Ayr as he underwent hip surgery recently.

Palmerston player-manager Allan Johnston has been impressed by the Honest Men, saying: "They have changed their team around and have brought in experienced players that could easily play in the First Division or the SPL.

"I have seen them recently and they have been really unlucky not to pick up the run of wins that would get them into the play-offs.

"They will come here looking to get the three points that will move them closer to the top four but our need for points is just as great.

"We were sloppy defensively last weekend against East Fife and I don't want a repeat of that."

Ayr will be without suspended striker Michael Moffat as they look to become the first side to win at Palmerston Park this season.

Player-manager Mark Roberts looks set to start as David Winters has suffered a calf strain, with the Honest Men also missing John Robertson who suffered a head injury in the midweek 2-1 defeat from Brechin City and Kyle McAusland (hand).

Martyn Campbell and Michael McGowan remain absent due to knee injuries.

Roberts said: "Queen of the South will win the league by a mile but it would be great to be the first team to win there this season.

"We are playing better than our results suggest so we are confident of doing well."