Jacobs eyes play-offs and not relegation

BY GAVIN BERRY KYLE JACOBS admits Queen of the South could end up in a relegation scrap or a battle for the play-offs.

The Doonhamers are on a miserable five-game losing run after their midweek defeat away to Morton.

Gary Naysmith’s men are just five points above basement boys Partick Thistle yet are only six points off Inverness in the final play-off spot.

Jacobs would rather look up than down but knows they must get back to winning ways quickly with 10 games to go in the Championship.

The 27-year-old said: “We know it’s a tight league and while we’re only five points above the bottom team we’re only six points off fourth spot.

“We know where we could be if results change but if we don’t end this run soon then we could be down the bottom end of the table.

“It’s strange but we can look at it positively and hopefully if we get a few wins then we’ll be back in the play-off mix.

“But confidence is low with our current run and losing on Tuesday was a big blow. So we need to get that first win and hopefully it turns things around.”

Meanwhile, Dunfermline’s James Craigen has joked about eyeing up a spot as goalkeeper next after filling in at left-back in recent days.

With Jackson Longridge and possible deputy Lewis Martin both injured, Craigen has been called upon to provide cover in an unfamiliar role in wins over Ayr and Partick Thistle.

The 27-year-old reckons he has now turned out in every outfield position bar the centre of defence, up front and in goal for the Pars this season.

He said: “I’m Mr Utility, yes. I’ve played every position except maybe striker and centre-half this season.

“The other day the gaffer was talking about who would go in goals in an emergency. I was thinking, ‘I quite fancy it, give me the gloves, Ryan Scully!

“I think he was getting a bit worried!

“As long as we keep clean sheets and the team keeps winning, I’ll be happy.” DUNFERMLINE have Sean Murdoch, Lewis Martin, Faissal El Bakhtoui and Andy Ryan out injured, with Jackson Longridge, James Vincent and Myles Hippolyte all set for fitness tests.

who have lost five in a row in the Championship, miss the crocked Nicky Low and Josh Todd and have a doubt over former Pars defender Scott Mercer.