Matthews desperate to be part of Fifers’ Championship campaign

Ross Matthews insists he is desperate for another crack at the Championship as the Raith Rovers star sweats over a new contract.

The 24-year-old was a key performer as the Fifers claimed the League 1 title courtesy of the division being called last month, notching four goals in 29 outings.

While Stark’s Park youth product Matthews, who already had 168 appearances under his belt, is likely to be among Rovers’ top priorities when it comes to dishing out deals, he is taking nothing for granted amid the Covid-19 crisis.

However, he is hungry for the opportunity to return to the second tier – and reckons John McGlynn’s men are well-equipped for the challenge.

“I think we would have gone on to win League 1 on merit and I believe we’ve got a core that could do really well in the Championship,” said Matthews. “Absolutely, I want to be part of that. “I had a pretty good campaign last year, barring a wee injury in September, and would love the chance to take that in to next season.

“The gaffer has us playing some great stuff, expressing ourselves and there’s a good mix of talented young lads and the experienced boys.

“I don’t think we’d be overawed,” he added.

Meanwhile, Rovers are keen on Peterhead midfielder Jack Leitch.

The 24-year-old former Motherwell and Airdrie player is a hero at the Blue Toon after scoring five times in the final four games to help secure the League 2 title last season and knocked back the opportunity of a trial at Championship side Queen of the South last summer to sign on for another season at Balmoor.

East Fife manager Darren Young has received a triple boost with skipper Kevin Smith, goalkeeper Brett Long and midfielder Ross Davidson agreeing to remain at the club.

Smith missed four months of last season due to a foot injury that required surgery, with the ex-Dundee United and Raith Rovers frontman returning to action just as lockdown struck.

Former Hibs youngster Aaron Dunsmore has been offered a new deal by Young but League 1 rivals Airdrie are keen on the 23-year-old, who began his career at Hibs before moving to Methil in 2017.

Young said: “We are making progress just now and I am pleased with that.

“Several players have committed themselves to us already and others are taking a bit more time.”