Queen of South vs Raith Rovers preview - Queen's short for Raith clash

Posted Friday, November 21, 2014 by PA

Queen of the South are again short of bodies for the clash with Raith, with the injured Chris Mitchell (back), Stephen McKenna (heel) and Paul Burns (knee) all missing.

Michael Paton is over his hamstring injury but after not being involved since July, manager James Fowler is keen for the striker to get some match practice before being involved in the Championship.

Mark Durnan and Iain Russell are both injury doubts, with Fowler saying: "Injuries have been the story of our season but we have coped well so far. A win over Raith will be difficult but the reward of a seven-point gap is a good one."

The Kirkcaldy side miss long-term injury victims Kevin Cuthbert (shoulder) and Craig Barr (knee) as they look for revenge after the Doonhamers won 4-3 in their last meeting.

Striker Christian Nade looks set to start after coming off the bench last week to mark his return from injury with the winner over Cowdenbeath, with manager Grant Murray saying: "Turning a defeat in a derby game into a win has given everyone a real lift and we head to Dumfries with an added bit of confidence.

"Making up for their win at our place and moving onto their shoulder in the play-off chase are motivators for this game."