Lewis Vaughan – Rovers ‘will do anything to win’ ahead of title showdown at Stark’s Park
Vaughan is Championship top scorer this season (Credit: RRFC)
LEADING from the front, Raith Rovers star Lewis Vaughan has insisted his side remain positive ahead of Friday’s top of the table clash with Dundee United.
Jim Goodwin’s side can extend their lead at the summit to seven with a win at Stark’s Park, following a recent slump for the Rovers.
The Kirkcaldy side come into the game on the back of five straight losses, but were boosted by a welcome return to training for Sam Stanton this week.
Lewis Vaughan, Championship top scorer said: “We are a positive group inside the changing room. Results haven’t been going our way recently, but positivity is there and if we can get a positive result on Friday, there is still a lot of football to be played.
“Friday’s game is massive for both clubs. It’s a game where both teams will do anything to win.
“There will be many twists and turns before the end of the season and we hope to affect that on Friday in a positive way, to get back to winning games of football.”
With 11 league goals to his name this season, Vaughan has been a crucial cog in the Rovers attack for over ten years. Last week it was announced that the stalwart would be receiving a testimonial against Hibernian in March.
This season, the Rovers embarked upon a 16-game unbeaten run in all competitions between September and January to go five clear at the top.
But with the Rovers claiming one win in eight since a 0-1 win at Tannadice, pre-season favourites Dundee United have re-established a four-point lead at the summit.
With the game set-up as a potential title decider at this stage of the season, Raith Rovers have already sold 6,500 tickets for the game, 400 short of their highest attendance in twenty-years.
“Everyone is looking forward to the game on Friday. As a player these are the types of games everyone wants to play in, a packed out stadium which will make a great atmosphere and hopefully we can get a positive result.”
The Rovers are expected to have key midfielder Sam Stanton back available for selection, after he returned from an injury sustained in late December.
With six goals – including three direct game winners – and nine assists this campaign, the return of Stanton could prove to be a much-needed shot in the arm for the Rovers.
“Sam has been a big miss for us,” added Vaughan. “A player of that quality and ability is going to be a miss for any team in the championship
“We are all delighted he has been back training and looking forward to watching him play again.”
The Rovers also expect to have Zak Rudden available for selection, alongside new signing James Brown, after the full-back joined on a loan deal from St Johnstone last week.
