Queen's Park manager Gus MacPherson has told his shock troops that they have nothing to lose as they look to storm the promotion playoffs.

Last week’s win for the Spiders over Albion Rovers, as well as results going their way elsewhere, has left MacPherson’s men in the dizzying heights of third place in the League One table.

The notion that the only amateur outfit in the Scottish senior leagues could potentially be a Championship side next season is a staggering – if still distant – one for MacPherson to consider.

But with three games to go, he has told his players that even if they don’t make it to the playoffs, they may as well have a real swing at it.

“There is absolutely no pressure on us whatsoever,” MacPherson said.

“Nobody, not even me, expected us to be in this position, so we are enjoying it and we want that feeling to continue.

“The very thought of Queen’s Park potentially finishing in the League One play-off positions is incredible. Even getting into the play-offs for League Two last season was a magnificent achievement.

“So, whatever happens from here on in, the players can hold their heads up high. They have proven that not only do they belong at this level, but that they can compete with any side in the division.

“Obviously, Livingston have very good players and David Hopkin has done a great job, so they have deservedly run away with the title. Alloa have been consistent of late too, and that’s why they are comfortable in second.

“For us to be tucked in there behind them as the best of the rest at this moment is great for us, and everyone connected to the club is obviously excited to see us in such a position.

“The only ones who haven’t been getting carried away though are the players. It’s the oldest cliché in the book, but they are only looking at the next game away to Livingston on Saturday.

“We know that will be a tough one, so that will require all of our focus if we are to get anything.

“But I’ve told the players to go out and enjoy the next three matches with no expectations on their shoulders.

“They expect the best from each other, and they have delivered that all season, so I trust them to leave nothing out there on the pitch and what will be, will be.

“They have been absolutely magnificent all season, and they deserve any success that comes their way.”

MacPherson revealed that being written off as no-hopers by some of their rivals upon their promotion to League One last season has proven to be a powerful motivational tool for his players.

He said: “I actually heard it said by somebody at one club who shall remain nameless, that as long as they finished above Queen’s Park then they would be fine this season.

“I love it when people write us off, and let’s just say it didn’t go unnoticed by the players either. That motivated us, and the way that people looked at us when we first came up gave us a real point to prove.

“I would like to think that we have more than earned the respect of every side in the division now, and it would be a really fitting end to the season for the player’s efforts to get into those play-offs.”