Raith Rovers vs Queen of South preview - Davidson returns for Rovers

Posted Saturday, April 28, 2012 by PA

Raith have captain Iain Davidson available after suspension for their crunch clash against Scottish First Division basement boys Queen of the South.

A win would almost certainly guarantee First Division football at Stark's Park next season, however Rovers are weakened by the absence of defender Laurie Ellis who suffered a broken jaw last weekend.

Manager John McGlynn said: "Queen's will come here really looking for the first of the two wins that they need to have a chance of surviving so we will know that we are in a game.

"I have asked the players to put on the same committed performance that saw us win at Falkirk last weekend and if they do that then we can win this one."

Queen of the South will be without centre-half Chris Higgins through suspension as they look for a win to boost their survival hopes.

Defender Craig Reid is out with an ankle injury and striker Marc McCusker's groin problem keeps him on the sidelines, with Dumfries manager Gus McPherson delaying naming his team as he waits on the fitness of Stephen Simmons and Nicky Clark.

McPherson said: "We all know that situation that we are in and that only a victory will do.

"We won at Stark's Park earlier in the season by playing really well and we need to play to that level again to repeat that win.

"They still have something to play for as well so it will be a tense afternoon."