Injury worries start to recede

Dec 12 2008 by Kieran Westbrook, Dumfries Standard Friday

Craig Barr

QUEEN of the South gaffer Gordon Chisholm has declared himself as “very pleased” with his team’s performance last weekend.

And Chisholm is confident going into tomorrow’s clash with Dunfermline.

Speaking to the Standard, he said: “We were more like ourselves on Saturday.

“I was very pleased with the performance and enthusiasm from the lads. That’s the spirit we need.”

“We needed a wee break. St Johnstone are a good team and the draw gives us a big lift.”

And the Queens’ boss is looking forward to tomorrow’s clash with Dunfermline at Palmerston.

He said: “If you want to go anywhere in this league, then you need to win your home games, and we’ll be going for the three points on Saturday.”

Last weekend’s game saw the welcome return of Craig Barr after a long injury.

And Queens’ first clean sheet since October was in no small part down to his return.

But Chisholm feels the return of a number of players has led to a freshness on the training pitch which is showing on the pitch.

He said: “I can see the squad coming back, and there’s a real buzz around the training ground.

“This week we’ve had 20 players training – there’s been times this season when we’ve only had 10.”

Although Barr returned to first-team duty last weekend, there are still doubts over Craig Reid and Sean O’Connor who has a knee problem.

And Bob Harris was back on the doctor’s table, seeing a specialist about his injury.

But Rangers left-back Steven Kinniburgh has joined the Doonhamers on a two-month loan deal.

Dunfermline visit Palmerston Stadium having won their last two away games but losing their last three at home.

A win for Queens would move them above Dunfermline, who are currently two points behind them.

And the Doonhamers will be hoping that the return of key players, and the arrival of a new one, will give them a badly needed win tomorrow.