MacPherson in tribute to Brown but targets cup shock

WITH managerial spats having made headlines over the last couple of weeks, Queen of the South manager Gus MacPherson believes Craig Brown sets an example others in his profession should follow.

MacPherson’s side may be aiming to dump Aberdeen out of the Scottish Cup this evening in their replay at Palmerston Park, however MacPherson took time to laud the Pittodrie side’s veteran manager for his comments following the 1-1 draw between the sides in the opening game.

MacPherson said: “Craig’s respect for the way we went about our business in the first game was fantastic. Other managers seem to want to have a pop at each other but he came out after a disappointing result, in front of his own fans, and praised us for the hard work we put in.

“He could have easily just focused on his own men or had a go about the way we set up for the game but he was very respectful. His assistant Archie Knox was the same.”

A high-profile war of words between Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels and his Hearts counterpart Paulo Sergio flared up last week and MacPherson added: “Managers in the game could learn from Craig and Archie, but in saying that I still want to put them out of the Scottish Cup.”

Queen of the South are on a six-game unbeaten run but despite having home advantage MacPherson says his men are still underdogs. He said: “It will not be any easier just because we are at home, and Aberdeen remain the favourites.”

A quarter-final trip to Motherwell awaits the winners of the replay, and MacPherson added: “We will change things slightly to have more of an attacking presence. We have nothing to lose.”

Queens defender John Potter is cup-tied after playing for Dunfermline earlier in the competition, but Craig Reid returns after a league ban. Strikers Kevin Smith and Marc McCusker remain out with knocks.

Aberdeen have midfielder Kari Arnason available again following suspension. Strikers Michael Paton and Daniel Uchechi could return, easing a lengthy injury list, but Clark Robertson is out after twisting his knee at Easter Road.

Brown said: “Hopefully we will get one or both of these guys [Paton and Uchechi] in the squad and Kari Arnason will be fresh and ready for action.”

Of the challenge facing his side, Brown added: “It’s a cup final for Queen of the South and we’ve got to make it a cup final for us as well.”