BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
Raith Rovers boss Ray McKinnon has revealed comeback kid Lewis Vaughan was “gutted” after making his first appearance in eight months . . . because he didn’t play like Maradona.
However, he reckons the talented youngster will be ready to weave his magic in the Championship playoffs.
Vaughan, 20, has emerged as one of the brightest prospects at Stark’s Park, bagging seven goals in 29 games last term, including a crucial winner against Hibernian.
He suffered a devastating cruciate knee ligament injury last August and, after a major operation and a gruelling rehabilitation programme, finally returned to the pitch last week.
Vaughan played 60 minutes for Raith’s reserve side in a 2-1 win against their Albion Rovers counter-parts and emerged unscathed – and unsatisfied.
McKinnon smiled: “I’m absolutely delighted for young Lewis Vaughan. I spoke to him after the game and he was a wee bit upset that he didn’t play like Maradona!
“I thought: you’ve not played a game in eight months! He was gutted. But what a bonus it is for us.
“He is getting closer and closer and he’ll be like a new signing.”
And the Rovers boss has no doubt Vaughan will bolster the Kirkcaldy club, who are riding the crest of a wave ahead of the mouth-watering promotion playoffs with an eight-match unbeaten run.
McKinnon added: “I look at him in training and think I could play him on Saturday, but then you look at a match situation and you see he needs a bit more time.
“However, he cut inside the other day and rifled a shot in at the near post in training – so sharp.
“I had almost forgotten just how good he was because I’ve been so focused on the team and players available! I’m really looking forward to having Lewis back.”
