Falkirk vs Queen of South preview - Grant only absentee for Bairns

Falkirk manager Gary Holt has a full squad to choose from against Queen of the South with the exception of Thomas Grant who has been suffering with a virus.

The Bairns come Falkirk come up against the Doonhamers just two weeks after losing to them and technical director Alex Smith expects a tight game.

Smith said: "We beat Queen's at our place in October in a really tight game and they came out on top recently in another tight game.

"There is obviously very little between the teams and it will be hard to separate us again.

"However, we need to get back to winning ways after slipping off top spot and winning this one will get us going again in the title race."

Queen of the South have fit-again on-loan St Johnstone goalkeeper Zander Clark coming in to replace Jim Atkinson, who is banned after getting sent off in the 1-0 defeat from Dundee last week.

Paul Burns is also available after serving a ban and Celtic youngster Lewis Kidd has been added on loan.

Stephen McKenna misses out through suspension, with manager Jim McIntyre saying: "There is a lot riding on this game as both teams want to bounce back from losing last weekend.

"They will also want to get back at us for our win over them recently however we want the three points to keep pace with the leaders."