BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport
Mark Stewart has revealed he has lost half a stone through illness – but insists he can carry the weight of expectation of being Raith Rovers’ last striker standing.
The former Falkirk and Dundee marksman was struck down with a virus at New Year and was ruled out of the double-header against Hibs as a result.
The 27-year-old made his comeback as a late substitute in Tuesday’s defeat to basement boys Alloa Athletic but was still not 100 per cent.
It was a case of needs must, though, with the departure Jon Daly and Craig Wighton leaving Rovers lightweight in attack.
However, Stewart, who has bagged himself six goals this term, believes he can plug the gap up front.
Stewart said: “I have been struggling with a virus. It struck just after New Year and affected me and the missus – sickness, the lot.
“We couldn’t move and I was out for a few days. I came back in but I’m not sure if it was maybe too early.
“Last Friday night, before the Hibs game, I just completely crashed again with a fever and high temperature.
“In the last week and a bit I have lost half a stone because of the illness but I feel alright now.
“Hopefully, our luck will turn again soon, we get everyone back fit and we can kick on again.”
Goals
Raith’s failure to net in their last three games has cost them their place in the Scottish Cup and the chance to cement fourth spot in the Championship.
But Stewart has told boss Ray McKinnon he can solve their goal-scoring problems.
He added: “I am probably the only one left and, you never know, I might get a full run through the middle again and get my goal tally up a bit.
“When I am fit, I know I have goals in me and I am willing to take that responsibility on for the rest of the season.
“If I play out wide or through the middle I don’t care – as long as I am helping the team. Wherever I am, I am fairly confident of getting more goals.”
