Mental strength will be the key for Dunfermline against Queen of the South as the pressure builds in the promotion race.
Midfielder Gary Mason says the Pars players are “champing at the bit” to get going again after they had a free Saturday last weekend.
They are sitting top of the first division table and are determined to increase that advantage going into next weekend’s crunch derby.
Mason said, “We’re desperate to get back in action the boys are well up for it and looking forward to the game.
“Mental strength is definitely required just now. Performances at this stage of the season can vary just as long as you get the three points, no matter how you do it.”
He knows the younger members of the team will be looking to the likes of him to guide them through the run-in of fixtures.
Mason said, “Our home form has been good, so hopefully we can keep that going.
“But it’s come down to the nitty-gritty stage of the season and the games are really vital to us.”‘Champing at the bit’He added, “Being one of the experienced players can come in handy as you need all the players you can and we just know it’s looking good as we only have a couple of players out injured.
“Obviously we are going into this game with a lot of confidence, and hopefully the fans will come out in their numbers again get right behind us because that helps as well.”
Queen of the South have lost their last two games, including a 4-1 thumping in midweek from Morton, but Mason does not expect the men from Dumfries to be soft touches.
He said, “No matter what, we are expecting a hard game.
“I can’t wait for the game. We are champing at the bit. The boys are itching to go out there and get a result.”
Pars manager Jim McIntyre said getting the three points is all that matters.
He said, “The break came at a good time for us as there were a lot of games in quick succession.
“So we’re just looking forward to getting back into action.”‘Beware of the wounded animal’He added, “At this stage of the season it’s all about getting a win and the three points.
McIntyre knows facing the Doonhamers will not be an easy task, despite them going off the boil lately and stressed many of their squad will be playing for their futures.
“They say beware of the wounded animal, it makes them difficult opposition,” he said.
“QoS have good players who are fighting for contracts, fighting for their future, so that also adds to their determination, but we have to match that and better it.”
He added, “I’m sure there will be a good crowd who will come along and they can play their part in the game.
“Hopefully we can give them the three points.”
The Dumfries side have been hit with injury as Rocco Quinn, David Weatherston and Daniel Orsi are all set to be missing through injury. Craig Reid and Colin McMenamin both return from suspension.