| Dundee fans have already bought their 2200 allocation and Queens are selling their tickets fast. A QOS spokesperson said the tie looks like being sold out.
Alex Rae arrived at work this morning knowing five of the players who started the 3-2 victory over Saints will not be on duty at Palmerston.
Vice-captain Scott Robertson will miss out through injury and, while his condition is still being assessed, he looks set to be sidelined for several weeks with a torn hamstring.
Also out are Kevin McDonald and Gary MacKenzie because of red cards in the last round at Motherwell.
And, just to complete the manager’s selection headache, goal heroes Mickael Antoine-Curier and Colin McMenamin are both cup-tied.
On the plus side, midfielder Paul McHale’s suspension does not apply to the cup, and skipper Ludovic Roy should be fit enough to challenge Craig Samson for the keeper’s jersey.
“It does not leave much time to reflect on a good win, but it does not take the gloss off it. I do have a headache for Saturday, though, and I will see what we can put together over the next few days,” said Alex.
With promotion back to the SPL the No. 1 priority, Alex at least has the consolation that four of his five cup absentees will be well rested for the First Division clash with Livingston at Dens tomorrow week.
And his major concern is how long the influential Robertson is going to be sidelined for.
“It looks like it could have been worse for Scott, but it’s still a bad injury and he is going to miss a few games at a time when we want him on the park,” he admitted.
As long as his players show the spirit of the past few weeks, the gaffer believes that, whatever the selection problems and opposition standard, they have a chance against anyone.
“The boys don’t know when they are beaten and, in terms of attitude, I cannot ask for any more from them than they are giving me.
“They have been like that in every game and, although the league is the priority, I know they will give all they’ve got on Saturday.”
Meanwhile, both Dundee and St Johnstone have played down an incident that led to a window in the away dressing-room being smashed. Saints immediately pledged to pay for the damage and the clubs are happy to let the matter rest there. |
