BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
Raith Rovers starlet Lewis Vaughan is adamant he has emerged physically and mentally stronger from almost a year of injury hell.
Vaughan, 20, established himself as one of the brightest prospects in the Championship during the 2014/15 campaign, bagging seven goals in 29 games, including a crucial winner against Hibernian.
However, he made just two appearances for the Rovers last term after suffering a devastating cruciate knee ligament injury last August.
After a major operation and a gruelling rehabilitation programme, he is fighting fit and has been assured he remains a major part of new boss Gary Locke’s plans in the coming season. And the gifted youngster is ready to make up for lost time.
Vaughan said: “Coming back from this injury was probably the hardest thing I have done in my life.
“There were times when I just didn’t want to do it but the physio Stuart Phin was brilliant with me through the whole process, making sure I did all the work I had to. I have to thank him a lot for all he did for me.
“My mum and dad were also a great help and there were other senior players who had gone through the same thing, like Craig Barr who spoke to me about it.
“It’s worth remembering that 10 to 15 years ago, it was a career-ending injury and coming back from it has made me stronger than ever – and not just in football terms, in day-to-day life.
“I thought I was going to have a big season last year to show what I could do but that never worked out and I was gutted about that – as far as I’m concerned, this is my massive season now.”
