Alloa Athletic boss Barry Smith insists his men are ready for the challenge against high-flying Queen of the South in their SPFL Championship encounter this weekend.

James Fowler’s men are riding on the crest of a wave after knocking Scottish Cup holders St Johnstone out of the competition last Saturday to book a place in the Quarter Finals.

But the Wasps boss, who watched the Doonhamers’ famous 2-0 triumph from the stand, says his squad will only focus on their own performance and not that of their opponents.

Smith told Advertiser sport: “Queen of the South are a team playing with confidence after a couple of good results, but we know that we had a good performance against them last time we played at the Indodrill. So we will look to take that performance, add to it and try to get the win in Dumfries. I was at their game last weekend when they beat St Johnstone and they played very well. It is always tough down there at Palmerston Park, but we have to only concern ourselves with how we play. The break last week was great because it allowed us some breathing space to get the new boys all integrated to the squad and I think it has done us some good.” The Wasps have some concerning absentees ahead of the trip to Palmerston Park with influential midfielder Ryan McCord and skipper Ben Gordon both missing through suspension.

Fans’ Favourite Stephen Simmons is also a major doubt as he continues to struggle with a back injury picked up in the 0-0 draw with Livingston last week, but new loan signing Phil Roberts is likely to be included in the match squad after coming through his first full week of training with the club since his arrival from Dundee.

The 40-year-old gaffer now hopes the players coming in can grab their opportunity with both hands as his side looking end a run of nine game without a win in all competitions.

Smith said: “Ryan and Ben being missing is obviously a big loss for us because they’ve played the majority of the season and did well for us, but we have some quality players who are able to come in and play in their positions. It is a chance for them to chance to shine and take their opportunity in the team. We have had two clean sheets in our last three games, which is a positive, and we look to continue that because then it is just a case of taking our chances when we come along. It doesn’t help our defensive stability with Ben being suspended, but we have a more than able deputy in Jason Marr to come in.”