Gibson missing for Queens
Queen of the South again miss winger Willie Gibson through an ankle injury as they look to secure a fourth win of the season against visitors Arbroath.
Youngster Ian McShane is also unavailable to manager Allan Johnston, who is keeping everyone at Palmerston Park calm despite their 11-point advantage at the top of the table.
Johnston said: "The boys were fantastic at Ayr on Wednesday when we won 5-1 and scored a couple of fantastic goals.
"The players are playing with a lot of confidence which is great to see.
"Arbroath have been really close to us in the last couple of games including the Ramsdens Cup semi-final that went to extra-time so if we drop our level of performance we will be in trouble."
Arbroath skipper Craig Malcolm is struggling with a groin problem and he will need to pass a fitness test.
The Gayfield side will have goalkeeper Scott Morrison missing due to a wrist injury with player-manager Paul Sheerin rallying his men for one last effort to close out the festive period on a high.
Sheerin said: "We had a demanding set of fixtures over Christmas and New Year with two local derbys being played, so a trip away to a full-time side is not the ideal way to end such a busy period.
"We have got the boys up for it by setting them the target of being the first team to defeat Queen of the South at home this season."
Source: PA
