Talking point

• Dunfermline’s season started so brightly, it would be cruel if they were to end it without at least a play-off place. With players’ futures at stake, the Pars will certainly be fighting tooth and nail to ensure they secure a top four berth. their last seven matches but four draws in that run have left them desperately seeking victories in the fight to oust Morton and Dundee United from the play-off places.

With Livingston to visit on Tuesday, followed by a derby clash away to Falkirk, the games are now full of pressure with everything at stake.

And with Queen of the South having plundered a 5-2 win on their last trip to East End Park, Martin knows the three points will not come easy this afternoon.

Martin added: “We’ve played well in the last few weeks and Queen of the South have been doing well as well, so we know it’s going to be a hard game.

“The last time we played Queens here was a bad game, we didn’t perform at all and they played well, but we’ll be up for it.

“We’re due a win against them, so hopefully we’ll get it this time round.”

Martin has started the last four games after a disappointing season playing second fiddle to his defensive teammates.

The 21-year-old had made just six league appearances before benefiting from Jason Talbot’s red card against St Mirren earlier this month, but is eager to make the most of his spell back in favour at a crucial juncture in the campaign.

He said: “I’ve had a frustrating season. I’ve not really played that much.

“So, it’s good to be back in the team, but it has been disappointing having to watch from the sidelines.”