Smith jumped at chance of Kirkcaldy loan move

Raith Rovers loan star Liam Smith is adamant he did not need to think twice about making the move to Stark’s Park – because he is behind one of the best defenders in Scotland in the Hearts pecking order.

The youngster has joined the Fifers until the end of October after Rovers skipper Jason Thomson was ruled out with tendonitis of the knee.

Smith, 20, insists he is relishing the opportunity to cement a starting berth under Gary Locke at Raith, having been unable to dislodge Scotland’s new first-choice rightback from the Hearts side.

While this term has heralded his European debut with appearances against FC Infonet and Birkirkara, he has enjoyed just three league outings for the Jambos and is determined to impress during his stint on the other side of the Forth.

Smith said: “With Callum [Paterson] not leaving in the transfer window, I’ve been on the bench in the league, so I jumped at the chance to come and play games.

“After you get a taste for (first-team football) you always want to keep going and keep playing, but I was happy to bide my time because of the top player Callum is.

“You can see that with the fact he is starting for Scotland, so I’m not disappointed at all, Callum is one of the best rightbacks in the country.

“I was just going to be patient – but to then get the opportunity to come to Raith Rovers was great.

“I was at East Fife last season and I’m from over here – in Dalgety Bay – so it’s local and it’s perfect for travelling and regular football.”

East Fife striker Paul McManus scored a hattrick as the Bayview side saw off Burntisland Shipyard 7-0 in a Fife Cup tie on Tuesday night.

Kevin O’Hara grabbed a double with Scott Mercer and Jamie Insall also scoring as Fife booked a semi-final berth against Cowdenbeath.