Raith expect revenge mission

Raith Rovers manager John Mcglynn has warned his players that Hearts will be determined to exact revenge tonight.

The Kirkcaldy outfit stunned the Championship leaders by picking up their first win at Tynecastle in 28 years on Saturday.

Raith led 3-0 at one stage before eventually settling for a 3-2 win.

The result was all the more impressive given that the squad only had one day to prepare for the game following a Covid-19 outbreak that affected several players and staff.

But Mcglynn insists his team will need to be wary of a backlash from Robbie Neilson’s side tonight in the second match of the league double-header.

He said: “Every game is different, we’re back at home and we would take the same result. It’s always difficult when you get backto-back games.

“They’ll be looking for a response now and they’ll be a little bit feeling aggrieved and look to respond.

“We’ll try to maximise our chances when they come along again, very similar to Saturday. They have seen what we’re about and will want to get back at us.”

Mcglynn will be hoping for more of the same from Kai Kennedy after the onloan Rangers winger was among the Rovers players who shone in Gorgie.

In his first appearance for the club, Kennedy won the penalty for Manny Duku to convert before setting up Regan Tumility for the third.

Mcglynn added: “Kai had an excellent performance, running at defenders, getting in behind defenders and he is brought down for the penalty.

“He is also involved in the third goal and to see our right back get up to knock it in on the line speaks volumes for Regan Tumility, his willingness to get there.”

Mcglynn was just as impressed with Jamie Macdonald after the goalkeeper pulled off a series of stunning saves as Hearts rallied in the second half.

Mcglynn added: “Jamie was fantastic – he has been an amazing signing.

“He must have had two worldies on Saturday.

“Coming for cross balls he was excellent. There is also his talking and organisation and he’s such a calm character.

“He had an illness (Covid19) and he was 50/50 but he certainly excelled and played a big part in us winning that football match.”

Meanwhile, Hearts have signed striker Armand Gnanduillet on an 18month deal. The 28-yearold forward joins from Turkish side Altay, subject to international clearance.

Gnanduillet has previously played for Blackpool, Leyton Orient and Chesterfield and had loan stints at Tranmere, Oxford and Stevenage.

Speaking to Hearts’ official website, Neilson said: “It’s no secret we’ve been looking for a striker and I’m delighted to get Armand in because he ticks all of the boxes.

“There was a lot of interest in him from some big clubs so to get him here is a bit of a coup.

“He’ll bring something different to the team.”