Queen of the South player/manager James Fowler takes his third-placed side to face unbeaten Championship leaders Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday.
The 35-year-old will restrict himself to a touchline role despite being a big fan of the Edinburgh ground. He has dropped out after Mark Kerr returned from injury and has no intention of starting against Robbie Neilson’s men – who were the last team to beat the Dumfries side.
Fowler said: “I always enjoyed playing at Tynecastle when I was with Kilmarnock but I will soak up the atmosphere from the sidelines in this game. I have not played much since I took the job and, apart from a recent game with our U20s, I have been concentrating on managing the team which takes up a fair bit of time.
“We are bringing a decent crowd through and Hearts have nearly sold all their tickets so it will be a big occasion and one I will let the players enjoy on the pitch.”
The last meeting between the sides was just after Fowler had been confirmed as the permanent replacement for Jim McIntyre, who had headed for life in the Premiership with Ross County.
Neilson’s side ensured that there was no party to celebrate after running up a 3-0 win, with Fowler saying: “I had been in temporary control before that for a few matches but what a hard game that was to begin my career as a manager. Hearts were strong that day as they have been all season.”
The Dumfries club head for the capital after a 4-1 success over Brora Rangers in the Scottish Cup last weekend, with Fowler adding: “It was good to get through as it was a tricky tie. You usually look for an early goal to settle you down in these games and we got that but it probably settled Brora down more than us as they then knew they had to attack.
“That put us on the back foot for a while and they caused us a few problems however we got a second goal midway through the second half. Brora pulled a goal back but I felt that our fitness really showed in the closing stages.”
Derek Lyle, Gavin Reilly, Iain Russell and Lewis Kidd all scored last weekend and the Palmerston Park boss added: “It is always good to share goals around. It keeps everyone on their toes.”
On-loan St Johnstone goalkeeper Zander Clark will return after missing out against Brora at the request of the Perth club, who ironically the Doonhamers have drawn in the next round.
Jim Atkinson will drop to the bench with praise ringing in his ears from his manager, who said: “Jim is learning all the time and he did really well against Brora. He made a couple of decent stops at key times and showed real potential.
“He has looked good in training and it was good to see him in a game but Zander has been our first choice all season and he will face Hearts.”
Craig Stewart
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