Queen of South vs Dumbarton preview - Fowler waits on duo

Queen of the South have doubts over Mark Durnan and Iain Russell for their game with Dumbarton at Palmerston Park.

Stephen McKenna, who recently returned after hip surgery, is out with a heel problem and he joins Chris Mitchell (back), Paul Burns (knee) and Michael Paton (hamstring) in missing out.

Better news for manager James Fowler is the availability of Kevin Holt after a two-game ban with goalkeeper Jim Atkinson also returning after an ankle knock.

Fowler said: "We defeated Dumbarton 4-0 at their place earlier in the season and we know that they will be very keen to make up for that so we have to play well to win."

Dumbarton welcome back the on-loan Danny Rogers and Kieran McDonald after they were not allowed to play in the Scottish Cup last weekend.

Chris Kane is also expected back, however a knee injury may see the on-loan St Johnstone striker start on the bench. Hugh Murray is out with a calf problem with Jordan Kirkpatrick missing due to a knee injury.

Manager Ian Murray said: "We lost to Rangers last Saturday however it was our best performance of the season. It was full of energy and confidence and we will need that again at Dumfries.

"They have a good record against us and it would be good to change that."