Queen of South vs Partick Thistle preview - Injury boosts for McPherson

Posted Saturday, November 12, 2011 by PA

Queen of the South's recent injury problems have cleared up to give manager Gus McPherson a full squad to choose from when Partick Thistle visit.

The Doonhamers manager is also hoping the weather clears up by Saturday afternoon, claiming it has hindered his side's efforts to play good football this season.

He said: "Four of our five games at Palmerston this season have been played in torrential rain.

"We have had howling wind and hailstones - I am hoping that things are calmer against Thistle to allow both sides to play some football.

"We have the ability in our squad to move up the table and it is now a time for mental toughness to be shown by the players."

Partick Thistle are hoping Stephen O'Donnell will be ready at Palmerston Park despite being sent home from training due to illness on Friday.

Goalkeeper Scott Fox, meanwhile, looks set to return as Ryan Scully is struggling with a head knock.

Former Doonhamer Scott Robertson is in manager Jackie McNamara's squad for the first time in two months after overcoming a medial ligament injury, but Willie Kinniburgh, Iain Flannigan and Ryan MacBeth remain out.

McNamara said: "We defeated Queen's 2-1 earlier in the season in a scrappy game but it was an important win as it was our first of the season.

"Dumfries is a hard place to go but I would be delighted to be coming back from there after a similar success."