Queen of South vs Livingston preview - Lyle doubt for Doonhamers

Mark Kerr's departure means Queen of the South will have to make changes in midfield for the visit of Livingston.

Kerr quit the club this week following a disagreement with the management team of James Fowler and Jim Thomson.

Elsewhere, in-form striker Derek Lyle is doubtful after being ill but Chris Higgins should be available following a bout of flu and Andy Dowie is back from a two-game suspension.

Chris Mitchell and Paul Burns are back in training after long term injures but they are unlikely to be called on, with Stephen McKenna (heel) and Greg Kiltie (ankle) also both ruled out.

Recently-appointed Livingston manager Mark Burchill is looking for his first win in his third game in charge of the bottom side.

He will again be without the injured Jason Talbot (groin) and Brad Donaldson (ankle) for the trip to Palmerston Park.

Burchill said: "We have played well in my first two games and it has been disappointing not to pick up any points. We created chances against Rangers and Hearts but we need to be more ruthless.

"We are looking to turn our season around and hopefully we can do that against Queen of the South. They are a side we have done well against so far this season and hopefully will again."