Allan Johnston will use this free weekend to try add to his Queen of the South squad before a tough run of fixtures.
With the Doonhamers out of the Scottish Cup, Johnston will also try to reschedule a bounce game to help them prepare for next week’s clash with Dunfermline.
Several first team squad players took part in a South of Scotland Challenge Cup match at Palmerston on Tuesday night as Queens beat St Cuthbert Wanderers 6-1.
Ally Roy and Ruben Soares Junior scored braces with Aidan Fitzpatrick and Niyah Joseph also finding the back of the net.
Johnston said: “It was a really good performance from the boys. Sometimes it’s hard playing in those games but their attitudes were spot on.
“It means they’re getting up to speed and making sure they’re ready for the upcoming games.
“We’re injury free from that so far. Young Kieran McKechnie started his first game and did really well. He’s been out injured for a long time so it’s great to see him get some minutes on the pitch. Ally Roy and Ruben Soares Junior scored a couple so there were a lot of good performances.
“Aidan Fitzpatrick coming back showed a lot of quality as did Niyah Joseph in the middle of the park. So I’m really pleased with the experienced boys. The younger boys came on near the end and did really well too so there were a lot of positives.”
A bounce game had been arranged for this weekend but was cancelled. So is a lack of a competitive game a help or a hindrance before such a big game next week?
Johnston said: “We’re trying to arrange a bounce game.
“We had a game lined up but it’s been cancelled. I just want to keep the momentum going and make sure everybody is ticking over and getting some minutes in their legs because we’ve got an important period coming up.
“Having no game gives us a bit more time to bring players in as well because we are trying to get guys in.
“It’s not just down to us – you’re in the hands of players, agents and clubs so we’re working hard trying to get players in. Hopefully we can do that because it’s an important couple of weeks coming up.”
One player linked with Palmerston is ex-Dundee United defender Paul Watson.
The 31-year-old is also being eyed by Hamilton Accies and Ayr United according to the Daily Record.
However the Queens boss wouldn’t be drawn on discussing Watson himself. He said: “We’re interested in a few. We’re trying to get a couple of centre halves in.
“There’s a number of positions we’re trying to strengthen, not just centre halves.”
