BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport
JAMES Craigen insists he is determined to finish the season on a high with Raith Rovers after signing a pre-contract to join promotion rivals Falkirk in the summer.
The former Partick Thistle attacker penned the deal earlier this month but has been backed by Stark’s Park boss Ray McKinnon to continue giving his all for the club before he leaves.
The 24-year-old has played in every game for Rovers since it was announced he had pledged his future to Falkirk and does not expect any change as the Fifers seek to clinch the final play-off spot in their remaining six matches.
Talking for the first time about his planned move, Craigen said: “The manager spoke to me when Peter Houston first phoned him. He pulled me to one side and told me straight away that he knew I was the type of guy to just get on with things.
“I am here to the end of the season and when I spoke to the gaffer when I first came here I wanted to help Raith get to the play-offs.
“We have said that from day one and we have given ourselves a great chance. We are in a good position to do that.
“So there are no doubts what I want to do, I want to leave here having got at least fourth place.”
Big incentive
After their midweek win over St Mirren, Raith enjoy a 10-point cushion in fourth spot ahead of this afternoon’s trip to face fifth-placed Morton.
And Craigen insists the Kirkcaldy men are desperate to finish the job of giving themselves a shot at promotion.
He added: “We have put ourselves in a great position and we all want that fourth place to play those extra games.
“It is only natural for there to be that big incentive. Every player will tell you he wants to play in the big games.
“If we get to the play-offs, it will be a fantastic achievement – but we are not there yet.
“We just have to take every game as it comes, starting on Saturday.”
