Extra edge to Glasgow derby as Jags host Mckinnon’s new- look Spiders
The Glasgow derby between Partick Thistle and Queen’s Park at Firhill will have an extra edge with the Jags facing a recast and now full- time League 2 Spiders side that has been one of the most active in the transfer market.
Queen’ s, who have been backed to move up the leagues by Glasgow busi nessman Lord Willie Haughey, have brought in players with Premiership and Championship experience and Ray Mckinnon’s squad will get its first public airing this afternoon.
Mckinnon is glad to finally see what his side can do but played down their strength. He said: “I had a couple of months in the job and then lockdown came in. I have spent the past few months putting a squad together and whilst I would agree that there is a lot of quality, we are short on quantity.
“We have four players out injured including Cammy Bell, Craig Slater and Simon Murray and their absence highlights our lack of strength in depth. Thistle will be a great test as they have put together a strong squad and I will know a lot more about where we are after this game.”
Dundee make the long trip to Brora after their campaign got off to a false start with a 3- 0 walkover success over Forfar after a Station Park player tested positive for Covid- 19.
Manager Ja mes Mcpake said: “We have had to wait a few extra days but our eagerness has grown. We watched Brora at Hibs i n midweek and we know that they will be tough opponents.”
East Fife head to Raith Rovers f or t heir second ‘ quiet’ derby of t he season, while there is more than local pride at stake when Arbroath host
Montrose. Gayfield boss Dick Campbell and his twin brother Ian will be in one dugout while his sons Ross and Ian will be part of the Gable Endies management team in the other.
League 1 rivals Clyde and Dumbarton meet in Cumbernauld with Annan hosting fellow League 2 side Stranraer. Edinburgh Cit y, who have brought Raffaele De Vita in on loan from Livingston host Stenhousemuir and Stirling Albion head to Elgin.