McKinnon tips rival to spark Rovers return

Barry Smith has been tipped to be a runaway success at Raith Rovers by the man who will try to beat his team in the first match of the new season, writes Ian Roache.

Dundee United boss Ray McKinnon believes Smith is the perfect fit for the Stark’s Park side and will lead them to the League One title.

McKinnon, himself a former Rovers gaffer, watched the Kirkcaldy men thump Fife rivals Dunfermline 3-0 in a friendly on Monday night and saw enough to convince him that Raith are on the right track under their new manager.

So Smith and his players will be given plenty of respect when they visit Tannadice tomorrow for their opening Betfred Cup group C clash.

McKinnon said: “I am looking forward to what will be a tough game.

“I watched Raith the other night when they beat Dunfermline 3-0 and they looked very organised and still have a good squad there.

“I know Barry very well and I think he will do great things there.

“I would say they are red-hot favourites for that league.

“He has the right players there and I think they will be fantastic in that division this season.

“They have a good team and Barry has done well to put it together.

“They should really be in our league – they are strong enough and should never have gone down.

“Barry will get them back up – I have no doubt about that.

“He is the perfect fit for that club and the players will love him.”

Meanwhile, with Dutch midfielder Jordie Briels signed up, McKinnon is still in the hunt for a goalkeeper and at least one more frontman.