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.''