Queen of South vs Raith Rovers preview - Duo out for Gus' debut

Posted Saturday, August 13, 2011 by PA

Queen of the South have defender Craig Reid and midfielder Stephen McKenna missing for the visit of Raith Rovers for what will be manager Gus McPherson's first league game in charge.

Striker Marc McCusker remains out with a groin problem.

McPherson has told his side they will need to work hard to mark his debut with a win.

McPherson said: "John McGlynn is a very clever coach and while he has a tighter squad this season numbers wise he will get the best out of them.

"Raith are always well organised and they attack you with pace when they have the ball and work really hard to get it off you when they lose possession so will have to play well to take anything."

Raith are sweating on the fitness of striker John Baird, who was forced to sit out training on Thursday after picking up a knock.

Captain Iain Davidson has already been ruled out for the next two months and boss John McGlynn does not want to be without another influential player.

McGlynn said: "John is very important to us and it was more of a precautionary move for him to miss training, so we are hoping he will make it.

"This will be a big game for Queen's as it is Gus McPherson's first home league match but we have to look after ourselves. We achieved a good result over Falkirk last week and need to build on that."