Smith certain ‘excellent’ Rovers will bounce back

Raith Rovers are on the road again today, travelling to Peterhead in the William Hill Scottish Cup third round.

The Kirkcaldy men were at Dumbarton in the Irn-Bru Cup last weekend and were on their travels again on Tuesday for the League One top-of-the-table clash against Ayr United at Somerset Park.

Having lost both matches they will be hoping to avoid a third straight defeat.

Manager Barry Smith conceded it has been a tough itinerary, but stressed: “It is part and parcel of the game and you just have to get on with it.

“We are going to Peterhead to face a side that contains experienced players like Rory McAllister, Willie Gibson and Jack Leitch so we will need to make sure we perform on the day.”

Smith is without Kevin McHattie and has one or two other injuries to contend with. He said: “The boys have been excellent for me this season and I’m sure they will be keen to bounce back.”

Peterhead manager Jim McInally expects Raith to come out with an attack-minded approach at Balmoor to help them move on from those defeats.

McInally said: “They will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing week. They will be out to take the game to us and show that their confidence has not taken a dip.

“Barry was here with East Fife last season and was quite cautious.

“However, I expect him to go for it and try and get this game won early.

“It will be tough to stand up to them but that is what we will look to do.”

Former Aberdeen midfielder Aaron Norris is added after being signed this week, but Scott Brown and Marc Lawrence are out injured.

Picture: SNS. Raith will be without Kevin McHattie today.