Marvin Bartley insists his side can bounce back against title favourites Dunfermline.
Queens slumped to a dismal 3-0 defeat at Kelty Hearts – provoking an angry response from the South boss who warned his players they are now playing for their futures.
And that starts tomorrow in the League One home clash with the table topping Pars.
Bartley said: “The boys have trained very well as expected – and to be fair to them, they have trained well since I came to this football club.
“They have not been feeling sorry for themselves and that was what I was talking about.
“So they have done well in training and the way they go about their business.
“It is going to be a tough game against Dunfermline. They are top of the league and they are top for a reason. This will be the biggest test as they are top. We know what we need to do. We will respect them and they are a passing team like ours and have a far superior budget to ours.
“But football is not won on paper or with budgets.
“They have signed a new player (Paul McGowan on loan) who has Premiership experience.
“So they will come here with a game plan and try to implement it.”
Pars front man Nikolay Todorov has scored twice against Queens this season.
And he climbed off the subs bench at the weekend to notch the Fifers’ second half equaliser in their 1-1 home draw with rivals Airdrie.
Bartley said: “I wish Todorov was their only danger man.
“They have plenty of danger men in their team. He is a very good player and came on at the weekend and made an impact so we will be aware of all their players.”
Queens’ shareholder fans were told earlier this week at the club AGM that a new pitch will be installed for next season.
It has been criticised by rivals and also blamed for Queens indifferent home form. Bartley said: “The pitch is being replaced because it is not up to standard.
“No one is going to complain about a new pitch and I am not going to be the first. So we are looking forward to getting a new pitch.
Finally, he confirmed there are no injury worries ahead of the game and said: “We have a clean bill of health which is good.”
