Fit-again Vaughan can have pivotal role in play-off push

Fighting fit Lewis Vaughan insists he can be the man to end Raith Rovers’ goal drought.

The Fifers drew another blank on Tuesday night as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Inverness Caledonian Thistle – the fourth time they have failed to find the net in their last five matches.

It is an uncharacteristic barren streak for John Mcglynn’s ordinarily freeflowing outfit, who remain the third-top goalscorers in the Championship, and Vaughan has no doubt they will soon be back to their prolific best.

He said: “The goals will definitely come, without a doubt. We are still among the highest scorers in the league so that’s not something we are looking too closely at, or worried about.

“Hopefully I can play my part in fixing that by coming into contention and adding to that goal threat – but, either way, I know we’ll be fine.

“We have quality and goals in this team and the manager always has us set up to attack.

“Even on Tuesday, down to 10 men, I feel like we were on top during the closing stages and if the game lasts another five or 10 minutes then we could have nicked something.”

Vaughan was a key part of that heartening finale for the Kirkcaldy club, stinging the palms of Mark Ridgers with a delightful turn and

ferocious drive from the edge of the box.

It was almost a dream return to the side for the gifted forward following six weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring strain.

Rovers are understandably taking no chances with a player who has suffered three devastating cruciate knee ligament injuries – but Vaughan says he is in fine fettle and ready to be a pivotal player in the playoff push.

He added: “I feel brilliant. I came back a few weeks ago and played three games but, having been out for such a long time, I had a few wee niggles and had to make sure I was 100% right.

“But I’ve trained with no problems for the past 10 days and it was good to get another 20 minutes under my belt on Tuesday.

“I feel like I can make a massive impact in the

squad and change games – and I want to play as many minutes as possible between now and the end of the season.

“There are a lot of massive games coming up and I want to be involved in as many as possible.”

If there is any silver lining to a run of just one victory in Rovers’ last five matches it is that none of their rivals appear able to muster the consistency to take advantage of their slips.

Nevertheless, Vaughan knows they must get back to winning ways if they want to be in the promotion shake-up come May.

He added: “It’s just such a tight league. We didn’t lose ground in midweek – but we didn’t gain any either, and over the past few games we haven’t picked up enough points.

“Now we need to pick ourselves up for the Ayr game.”

Raith’s Lewis Vaughan is looking to make an impact.