BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport
Raith Rovers have held initial talks with Dundee over an extension to their loan deal for striker Craig Wighton.
Wighton, who has made 31 appearances for the Dundee first-team, joined Raith in the summer on an agreement that expires in January.
The 18-year-old has failed to make the hoped-for impact at Stark’s Park and has just one goal to his name in 17 appearances for the Championship side.
However, Rovers manager Ray McKinnon is ready losing Jon Daly in the New Year, when the former Dundee United and Rangers striker takes up a new role as Hearts’ under-20s coach, and would be left severely short of attacking options if Wighton were to return to Dens Park.
McKinnon spoke with Dundee counterpart Paul Hartley last week to discuss the teenager’s future and the possibility of him remaining in Kirkcaldy for the remainder of the campaign.
However, a decision, which could come down to the availability of finances at Raith, is unlikely to be made until closer to the January transfer window.
McKinnon explained: “I’ve spoken to Paul Hartley, just asking what the situation is with Craig, and he asked what our thoughts would be on us keeping him.
“Craig’s done okay, although he’s found it difficult to get in the starting line-up because Jon Daly and Mark Stewart have done well.
“If we can, I would prefer to keep hold of him and replace Jon with somebody when he leaves for Hearts in January.
“But that’s going to cost a lot of money and we need to find out what we are able to do financially.”
@IainCollin
