McGlynn aware gap between top and bottom too close for comfort

John McGlynn has expressed his sympathy for John Robertson and Inverness Caley Thistle ahead of Raith Rovers’ trip north tomorrow night.

But the Stark’s Park boss has urged Rovers to focus fully on their own issues as they seek to extend their lead in second spot in the Championship.

McGlynn worked under Robertson at Hearts and hopes the Jambos legend recovers on his current compassionate leave to return to football at some point in the future.

He also knows stand-in Caley Thistle counterpart Neil McCann well and believes he will be smarting from the Highlanders dropping to second bottom following defeat to Morton.

But, after going a point clear as runners-up following Tuesday’s goalless draw with Ayr, the Raith manager is eager to see his side steal a march on their fellow play-off contenders with a victory that would also ease any fears of being dragged down the table.

He said: “Obviously, my sympathy goes to John and I wish him well. I hope he gets back into the game as soon as he feels ready.

“It’s a bit awkward for Neil coming in midway through the season and trying to pick up the pieces.

“Knowing Neil, he’ll be looking for a response out of his players when we go up there on Friday.

“We just have to look after ourselves. We want to create a gap and make sure that we’re OK in this league.

“There’s not an awful lot between second top and second bottom,” he said.

“We’ve got back-to-back games now against Inverness but everything goes into the next game.

“We’ve got to be prepared and ready for Friday night.”

Rovers defender Fernandy Mendy has received his first call-up for Guinea-Bissau’s qualifying matches for the African Cup of Nations later this month.