Key players set to return

Nov 14 2008 by Kieran Westbrook, Dumfries Standard Friday

QUEENS assistant manager Kenny Brannigan believes that the return of key players could make the difference this weekend, when they visit Dundee at Dens Park.

Speaking to the Standard, Brannigan said that important players missing from the team had been a big problem for Queens so far this season.

He said: “Some players you can bring in to fill the gaps, but a lot of the bigger players can’t be replaced.

“Adams was a huge miss for us. When players like that are missing, it’s a disaster.”

Gary Arbuckle is set to make a return, but Craig Sives and Bob Harris are still doubtful. Craig Barr is suspended.

With the recovery of O’Connor a few weeks ago, and the return of captain Jim Thomson following a suspension last week, the Queens assistant manager fancies his team’s chance at the weekend.

Dundee snatched a 1-0 win against Dunfermline last Saturday.

But Brannigan isn’t concerned about the new lease of life brought about by the return of boss Jocky Scott to the Dens Park set up.

He said: “Any team with a new manager will look to impress. But they are the same team with the same players, and I don’t see why we cant take the three points.”

Queens suffered a heavy defeat last weekend against Morton at Palmerston.

They were down 3-0 by half-time and although O’Connor pulled one back early in the second half, Greacen put the game beyond doubt, scoring Morton’s forth in the 74th minute.

Despite the scoreline, Brannigan believes his side had the best of the second half and felt the scoreline did not reflect the actual game.

He said: “The goalkeeper had nothing to do apart from the four goals and with two of them he didn’t have a chance. Jim Thomson was a big miss for us.

“I’m not making excuses, but they did have a big height advantage over us.

“They stuck to their task and got the result.”

Brannigan went on to say that defensive frailties have been a problem for Queens.

He added: “The problems aren’t coming from the front line.

“They’ve actually been carrying us a lot of the time.

“It’s defensive errors at the back and we keep getting punished for them.”

Queens boss, Gordon Chisholm is looking to prevent matters at the back from getting any worse, by trying to extend on-loan goalkeeper Cameron Bell’s contract, which runs out soon.

If a deal is not struck he may well look to the services of former on-loan keeper Jamie MacDonald of Hearts.

The Queens’ management has also been looking at former Queens youngster Willie Gibson, but didn’t think Kilmarnock were looking to sell him on.

Queen of the South take on Dundee at Dens Park on Saturday, hoping to improve their current form which has seen them take only three points from their last four games.