OUR SKIPPER RANKS THE BEST

KYLE JACOBS insists his Palmerston skipper still Ranks fitter than anyone in the game.

And the Queen of the South star believes John Rankin, 34, is a midfield inspiration as they aim for Premiership promotion.

He may have dropped a level from his previous exploits at Inverness, Hibs and Dundee United but Jacobs says Rankin’s standards have never been higher. He will face old club Falkirk today and Jacobs said: “I’ve always looked after myself but I’m not as strict as Ranks.

“He’s the fittest guy I know – for his age. He drives us forward, leading by example with his experience.

“He’s in the gym frequently and his diet is one of the best I’ve seen. He’s a machine!

“We have a really good mix in our team – some good young lads in defence, the experience of Ranks alongside me in the middle of the park and class up front in Stephen Dobbie and Derek Lyle.”

The Bairns have lost in the league to Dunfermline and St Mirren and drawn 1-1 with Dumbarton, the side Queens beat 1-0 last weekend. Jacobs added: “We know Falkirk will come good as they have such a decent squad. We must be careful it’s not against us.”

Bairns boss Peter Houston, who spoke at a fans forum on Thursday, said: “I’ve brought these players to the club and I’ll take any criticism going.

“But I’m confident we’ll get a response against Queens. I have a terrific bunch of boys.”