Award doubles for Raith and Cowdenbeath players and bosses

St Johnstone hero loving life at Raith Rovers

St Johnstone hero Steven Anderson has admitted he will probably never play for the Perth men again.

The club’s record appearanceholder and first scorer in the historic Scottish Cup Final win over Dundee United in 2014 accepts that it looks like his time is up after being edged out by Tommy Wright.

But the 33-year-old centre-back is showing there is life in the old dog yet by scooping the Ladbrokes League One player of the month award after a sensational start to a loan switch to Raith Rovers.

The Fifers have stormed to the top of the table with three wins and could move five clear of favourites Falkirk if they can beat them at Stark’s Park today.

Anderson said: “I suppose the reality is that I won’t play for Saints again but things could change, you never know.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Partick Thistle last season. I went back to St Johnstone and I got one game and the manager basically told me my chances would be limited. Obviously I wasn’t happy about that. I then heard John was interested and I live in Dunfermline so that came into consideration too because I could get more family time. It just made sense.

“Tommy has obviously got his plans and I was going to be a bit-part player when he needed me.

“I had to realise these things happen and you move on.

“I had been there for that long that maybe it was time for a change anyway.

“It’s a season-long loan with a recall clause in January but I’m solely focused on Raith Rovers right now.

“This is the last year of my contract so maybe I can put myself in the shop window.”

It’s an awards double for the Kirkcaldy men as John Mcglynn is manager of the month.

He said: “We have only conceded one goal in the last four games so that speaks volumes about Steven.

“He’s a winner and that has rubbed off on those around him.

“You want players to be an influence on and off the park and he has certainly done that.

“We finish the first quarter on Saturday with a game against Falkirk, who are favourites to win the league, so we hope we can continue our good form.

“We beat them in the Challenge Cup last month so that give us a psychological advantage and it definitely helps.

“In the short term, if we could go five points clear one quarter in then that would be a nice place to be in.

“But it’s still very early and a lot can happen.”

Meanwhile, Daniel Armstrong looks set to feature today after returning to the club until the end of the season.

Raith Rovers manager John Mcglynn and central defender Steven Anderson with their Ladbrokes League One awards. Picture: SNS.