Title race to come down to the wire, says Buchanan

Liam Buchanan knows exactly what it takes to win a league title having done so with Livingston, Cowdenbeath and – whisper it quietly around Stark’s Park – Dunfermline.

That success with the Pars came at the expense of Rovers who ran their Fife rivals all the way in the 2010-2011 season with Jim Mcintyre’s side winning what proved to be a pivotal game between the sides with just three matches of the season to go.

Now, Buchanan is hoping to help Raith become League 1 champions with Barry Smith’s side sitting top of the table eight points ahead of Ayr United.

However, like that title race seven years ago, he is sure it will go right down to the wire.

The 32-year-old striker who will be in the squad for today’s game against Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill said: “We played Raith at East End and beat them 2-1.

“It is probably similar to this season and what we now have with Ayr. They are not going to go away. They are an excellent side and I am sure it will go right to the end.

“So it would be great to win promotion again. It is a huge achievement if you can go and win leagues. I say to the boys, especially the younger ones all the time that it doesn’t happen a lot in your career so make the most of it. Relish the challenge but don’t hide from it. A lot of good players haven’t won a league.

“We are doing well at the moment and we just have to keep going.

“We still have a lot of work to do before we can even start thinking about winning the league. There is a long way to go.”

Buchanan added: “The aim at the start of the season was to get promoted but it is a very difficult league to get out of.

“You can’t come into it too confident just expecting because you are Raith Rovers and have been in the Championship for so many years that you will simply steamroll teams. It was never going to be an easy task.

“We are sitting in a good position at the moment but it is important now that we find another gear and kick on in the last 11 games.”

Raith had to come from behind last Saturday to beat Airdrie 2-1 and Buchanan insists that sort of result and performance speaks volumes about the squad’s spirit.

He added: “We all know the character we have in that changing-room.

“There is a real hunger amongst the boys. You can be full-time all you want but part-time players look after themselves really well.”

Raith, who beat Albion Rovers just 11 days ago, will once again be without the injured Kevin Mchattie.

“They caused us a wee fright a few days ago so we know we can’t go there and just expect to win. Nothing but 100% will win us the game.”

SNS. Rovers striker Liam Buchanan has tasted title success before on three occasions.