The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Rovers set to sign Stoke City striker
Raith Rovers are on the verge of sealing a double swoop for Stoke City youngster Ethon Varian and English midfielder Blaise Riley Snow.
Varian, an 18-year-old striker, is expected to join the Fifers on a season-long loan deal and will add to a pool of attackers which includes James Keatings, Lewis Vaughan and Matej Poplatnik.
The 6ft attacker has been on trial with Raith and, barring any late hitches, will be their eighth arrival of the summer – following Keatings, Poplatnik, Christophe Berra, Liam Dick, Dario Zanatta, Tom Lang and Aidan Connolly.
Varian is considered one of the brightest young prospects on the books at the Brittannia Stadium, notching nine goals and six assists from 33 appearances for their under-23 squad over the past two seasons in Premier League 2. Prior to that, he was a prolific marksman for the club’s under-18 side.
Varian, who hails from Cork, has represented Ireland once at under-21 level, entering the fray as a second-half substitute against Wales in March.
Snow, meanwhile, formerly of Harefield United and Barnet, has played in Spain with Alicante City FC.
Both he and Varian have agreed deals and are awaiting international clearance.
Rovers boss John Mcglynn confirmed earlier this week that he intends to make three signings before declaring himself content with Raith’s squad for the coming campaign. n Iain Davidson was afforded a final outing for Raith Rovers as Hibernian ran out 3-1 winners in the veteran’s testimonial match.
Davidson, now on the books of Brechin City, played 25 minutes – being suitably tested against a sharp Hibees outfit – before being replaced by Christophe Berra in the heart of defence.
The 37-year-old saw his Rovers career end under something of a cloud when he was found guilty of aiming prejudicial language at Inverness attacker Nikolay Todorov, who has since joined Dunfermline.
However, he was afforded a rousing reception from the fans in Kirkcaldy in recognition of racking up 507 games over two spells with the Rovers – third in the club’s all-time appearance list – and his legendary status at Stark’s Park is assured.
The former Dundee stopper was then presented with a commemorative trophy at half-time.
There was rather less to celebrate on the pitch for John Mcglynn’s men as Hibs won 3-1 after running riot in the opening half-hour.
Fresh from a 2-1 win over Arsenal on Tuesday, Hibs took just three minutes to claim the lead as Ryan Porteous thundered home a header from a Kyle Magennis header.
Former Rovers marksman Kevin Nisbet was then denied by a fine Robbie Thomson save, only for Steven Bradley to nod home the rebound, continuing his bright pre-season.
However, Nisbet would soon strike against his old employers, lashing home a splendid volley from 12 yards following a super, whipped Martin Boyle delivery.
Rovers reduced arrears before the break when Aidan Connolly pounced on a Paul Hanlon error before firing home from close range.