First Division previews: Brannigan baffled by Ross County's sacking of McStay

Queen of the South v Ross CountyQueen of the South boss Kenny Brannigan cannot believe that Willie McStay will not be in the opposite dug out with Ross County at Palmerston Park tonight as the clubs re-stage their match that was abandoned a fortnight ago when one of the floodlights failed.

McStay was sacked at the weekend after just nine games in charge of Ross County and Brannigan has found the decision hard to understand saying, "I found that decision astonishing. To get the bullet after nine games is incredible."

The Doonhamers are again without the banned pair of Bob Harris and David Lilley, with Paul Burns also a doubt.

Ross County's Director of Football George Adams has stepped in to help recently appointed assistant manager Stuart Balmer. "It has been a hard couple of days at the club but we have to look forward, starting with our game against Queen of the South," said Adams.

The duo have ruled out defender Darren McCormack and front man Steven Craig.

Dunfermline v Falkirk

Dunfermline manager Jim McIntyre is thinking of handing recent signing, ex-St Johnstone midfielder Martin Hardie, a starting berth. "Martin Hardie came on for the last 15 minutes of our game at Cowdenbeath at the weekend and did really well," said McIntyre. "He set up a goal and is in my thoughts for a starting place as he is a very experienced campaigner for a match as tough as this one will be."

The Pars will definitely be without injured midfielder Steven Bell, while Falkirk manager Steven Pressley is tempted to bring in fit-again former Dunfermline striker Tam McManus. The Bairns also welcome back defender Brian McLean after a one match ban.

Stirling Albion v Morton

Stirling are without goalkeeper Callum Reidford and defender Martyn Corrigan Morton are minus the services of midfielders Carlo Monti and Michael Tidser following the red cards they picked up against Falkirk at the weekend.

Cowdenbeath v Partick

Cowdenbeath are out to end a disappointing run of form that has seen them fall to second bottom place in the table, their lowest position since the opening day of the league season. They are without Mark Baxter, Danny Mackay and Dene Droudge through injury.

Partick Thistle have a bug within their squad to contend with. Firhill assistant manager Ian Maxwell said, "All of our players seem to have been affected recently with a flu type bug. We have been down to the bare bones." Goalkeeper Scott Fox should be available, but Willie Kinniburgh and Jackie McNamara have now been affected and will miss out on the trip.