Rovers boss McGlynn delighted to have injured striker back in the ranks

John McGlynn has revealed Lewis Vaughan had to be held back in his comeback from knee surgery – but is thrilled Raith Rovers finally have their star back.

Vaughan has been sidelined for nearly eight months after suffering cruciate ligament damage for the second time in the 2-1 defeat to Brechin City back in January.

The 23-year-old had just bagged a hat-trick in Rovers’ Scottish Cup triumph over rivals Dunfermline when his season was cut short.

However, the tricky attacker made his much-anticipated return in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Falkirk in the Challenge Cup and McGlynn is delighted the wait is over.

He said: “It was great to get Lewis Vaughan back on the pitch. He had 20 minutes and he probably had more shots on goal than anyone else throughout the 90 minutes.

“You can see what he means to the fans and what he means to this team. He’s such and influential character, he’s such a good player.

“He’s been buzzing in training and itching to get back. We’ve actually been having to hold him back.

“The consultant wanted seven months post-op, which was going to be the 21st of September but he’s been so far ahead in his comeback.

“He’s obviously had this injury before with his cruciate and he was always saying he was way ahead of schedule. He knew he was better than he was previously.

“I thought he was magnificent. He’s been back in training for a wee while now and I’ve been watching him.

“Hopefully that helps him and by this Saturday we’re hoping he’ll be ready and available for selection.”

McGlynn also expects “influential” new recruit Steven Anderson to bring a winning mentality to Rovers.

The St Johnstone legend has joined on a season-long loan deal and made his debut as a secondhalf substitute against Falkirk.

The 33-year-old has been frozen out at McDiarmid Park in recent times and was sent out last term on loan at Partick Thistle.

But McGlynn is convinced the 2014 Scottish Cup winner could prove a key signing for Rovers.

He said: “He did very well, he did exactly what it says on the label. He’s going to go and head the ball and he’s going to be in the right place at the right time to clear it.

“With his experience, he is immediately starting to organise and tell people where to go and starting to talk, and we don’t have enough players like that.

“He is going to be very, very influential on the team.

“He had a great end of the season with Partick and was one of the key players that helped them survive.

“He’s a winner and hopefully that will transmit through everyone.”

Raith Rovers will welcome Glenavon to Stark’s Park in the last 16 of the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup.

The tie will be played on the weekend of October 12-13.