Absent boss won’t hit Rovers’ plans – Smith

Paul Smith is adamant R a i t h R o v e r s ’ preparations for their Betfred Cup kick-off will not be affected by the hosp ita l isat ion o f manager John McGlynn.

M cG l y n n w a s scheduled to undergo what has been described as a ‘routine operation’ today, ruling him out of any involvement in Rovers’ Group A opener against neighbours East Fife.

However, the Stark’s Park boss – who it is hoped will be back for Tuesday’s trip to face old club Hearts – has been in constant communication with assistant Smith and has left instructions that will form part of the prematch team-talk.

And, with the Kirkcaldy club forced to wait for their competitive return after almost seven months out because of th e co ronav i ru s pandemic, Smith insists everything has been building towards the Fife derby for weeks.

He said: “John and I work about a month ahead w i th ou r preparations on bits and pieces, and we’ve been gearing up all the way through pre-season for the East Fife game.

“So, nothing’s really changed from that.

“I’ ve been in daily contact with John as well – I spoke to him on Friday a couple of times. So, we’ve just kept things ticking over as normal.

“We always discuss the team between ourselves anyway, with John having the final say.

“But we agreed on a team earlier in the week when we knew he was going to be in the hospital and we’ve been preparing the players for this game.

Summer signing Regan Tumilty is back from injury and in line for his debut fo l low ing a hamstring strain, whilst Fernandy Mendy is fit and Lewis Vaughan is back in full training and could be back in action next weekend.