Two key Raith defenders ruled out by injury

Raith boss Barry Smith will turn to the club’s youth ranks after two key defenders were ruled out by injury, writes Neil Robertson.

Skipper Kyle Benedictus suffered a fractured right fibula in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Ayr United at Stark’s Park.

The 25-year-old centre-half is set to miss up to eight weeks and he will be joined on the sidelines by Kevin McHattie who is due to see a specialist.

It is a bitter double blow for Smith who also lost former club captain Ross Callachan last week after he was snapped up by Hearts for an undisclosed fee.

Smith said: “Kyle’s injury just happened when there was a clash of legs.

“To begin with, he didn’t think it was serious and tried to play on but he quickly realised there was something wrong.

“He was taken to hospital and it has now been confirmed there is a fracture and he could be out for six to eight weeks.

“Hopefully he will be a quick healer as we have a small squad and it looks like we will also have Kevin McHattie out for a spell.

“He had his groin op during the summer, which was a success, but this is a secondary thing and he will be going to see a consultant next week.

“Unfortunately I have been told there are no funds available to bring a loan player in. So we will just have to hope that the young players can step up to the plate even although they have no experience at this level.”

The injury news put a dampener on what had been a good weekend for Rovers with the Kirkcaldy side stretching their lead at the top of League 1 to four points with the win over Ayr.

Smith added: “We are in a good place at the moment but we are determined to keep progressing.”