Queen of South vs Hibernian FC - Pace-setters Queen of the South nursing knocks ahead of Hibs test

Table-topping Queen of the South manager Gavin Skelton will leave it late to pick a side to face second-placed Hibernian with a number of players nursing knocks.

A 5-0 Betfred Cup defeat against Rangers took a physical toll on his side but Skelton is adamant there will be no mental hangover from Ibrox.

"We kept our feet on the ground when we won seven consecutive games so we will not be going overboard after losing one," he said.

"Playing Hibs at any time is a big game especially as they will be looking to make up for us winning at their place earlier in the season."

Hibs will have Marvin Bartley in their midfield after the red card he received in last weekend's 2-1 defeat by Ayr was down-graded to a yellow on appeal.

Injuries again rule out Liam Fontaine (calf) and Danny Handling (knee) but manager Neil Lennon expecting his men to bounce back from their loss against the Honest Men.

Lennon said: "It was disappointing to lose but the performance was okay and there has been no problem in moving on from it.

"Queen of the South are playing well and scoring goals in the Championship. However we have goals in our side and a desire to return to the top of the table."