Rovers dealt blow as Hearts recall Zanatta

Raith Rovers have been dealt a big blow ahead of Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash with Ayr United after Hearts announced they were recalling Dario Zanatta from his loan spell at Stark’s Park, writes Neil Robertson.

The 20-year-old winger has emerged as a key player for Barry Smith’s side recently and has started the last six games for the club.

The Canadian youth international was the star man again for Rovers on Saturday as they beat Forfar 2-1 to cement their place at the top of the League 1 table.

After the game against the Loons, Zanatta admitted he was looking forward to the crunch clash with secondplaced Ayr, saying: “Next week is an exciting game and it’s the big games where players need to show what they are all about and I hope I can do that.”

However, Hearts boss Craig Levein has now recalled Zanatta along with other Hearts loanees and they will fly out to Spain for a warm-weather camp so the Tynecastle boss can assess their progress first-hand.

That leaves Raith very much in the lurch ahead of the crucial encounter with Ayr but, because Zanatta was out on a development loan, Hearts can recall him during the transfer window.

Smith said: “Hearts are entitled to recall their player but we’re disappointed with the timing of it.

“We just need to move on from it quickly. It gives someone else the opportunity to get in the team and that’s the way it should be viewed.”

The Jambos recently sold winger Jamie Walker to Wigan and are short of options in wide areas, which is why they are keen to run the rule over Zanatta.

Dario Zanatta: started the last six games.