BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport
Raith Rovers manager Ray McKinnon is hopeful of signing a new striker before Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie with Hibernian after losing Craig Wighton back to Dundee.
Wighton has been recalled to Dens Park after making 10 starts in 21 appearances for Rovers since joining in the summer.
The 18-year-old only managed one goal in his time with the Kirkcaldy club but, combined with the departure of Jon Daly to take up his coaching role with Hearts later this month, McKinnon faces being left seriously short of attacking options unless he can recruit in the coming days.
Finances dictate the Raith boss may only be able to add one new player this month, but he is optimistic of a boost before hosting Hibs this weekend.
He said: “We’re grateful to Dundee and to Craig for his time with us. His attitude was absolutely spot on and he is a fantastic young man.
“He did really well for us and he has a massive future ahead of him, but he is only 18 and still has to develop fully.
“Him going back to Dundee leaves us looking for a striker. We certainly want to bring someone else in and we’re seeing what we can do.
“We’ve got a couple of players I’m speaking to clubs about just now, so maybe I’ll have someone in before the weekend.
“There’s nothing right this minute, but I’m hopeful of something later in the week.
“We’ve got to make sure we bring in the right person and, if it was possible, maybe two players.”
Injury boost
Raith lost to Hibs 1-0 at Easter Road in the league on Saturday but were forced to field a makeshift line-up due to an extensive injury list.
However, with defensive midfielder Iain Davidson and striker Mark Stewart fit again, and Grant Anderson free to play, despite being red-carded on his return from a hamstring problem, McKinnon has been handed some good news this week.
He added: “Iain Davidson and Mark Stewart were both back in training on Tuesday and Grant Anderson has come through the 20 minutes he had against Hibs at the weekend without a reaction.
“Those three will ease the burden on the squad going into the game and give us a lot more options.
“And if I can add one more player to the squad before Saturday then we’ll be delighted.”
