Talisman Vaughan out for two months

Raith Rovers have been dealt a hammer blow ahead of their curtain-raiser against Cowdenbeath after talisman Lewis Vaughan was ruled out for around two months.

The 22-year-old, who notched 23 goals last term as the Fifers narrowly missed out on the League 1 title, was forced to undergo surgery to cure a persistent groin complaint yesterday.

He will miss the Betfred Cup group phase, which begins against the Blue Brazil this afternoon, and their early league fixtures.

Manager Barry Smith has urged the rest of his squad to step up to the plate in Vaughan’s absence.

“Lewis has had to go through a medical procedure and will probably be out for between six and eight weeks,” It isn’t great news and everyone is disappointed. He has been a big part of the team.

“We wish Lewis the best in his recovery and hopefully he’ll be back sooner rather than later.

“However, we can sit and worry about it, or we can get on with the job in hand.

“There are players who can come in and do a similar job and we trust the guys in our squad.”

Smith, meanwhile wants his men to deliver the familiar feeling of success.

The Kirkcaldy side are meeting the Blue Brazil at East Fife’s Bayview ground as Stark’s Park’s new artificial pitch is not fully ready.

Smith said: “We had a fantastic record at home last season and we have to look to continue that even if we are playing at Bayview. We cannot let our standards drop just because we are not in Kirkcaldy as not only do I want us to be strong at home I want us to get our season off to a great start as well.

“It is the first competitive game of the new season and a chance to impress.

“We want to take that chance. I want us to get into a winning habit early and we have the chance to do that but it will not be easy.”

Smith expects the visitors to be a stronger side this season.

He explained: “Cowdenbeath will have received a boost by staying in senior football via the play-off at the end of last season.

“Also, their manager Gary Bollan has his own players in now, and that will make a difference to them. We have to be ready for a stern test.” We have had a good preseason and the players are looking fit and ready so the first whistle cannot come quick enough.”

“Five of our new recruits Robbie Thomson, Grant Gillespie, Nathan Flannagan, Kevin Nisbet and Chris Duggan will be involved and I am looking forward to seeing them play.”

Fellow new boy Nat Wedderburn is set to miss out after picking up a knock in a closed-door game, with Smith also advising that there are doubts over a couple of other members of his squad.

Lewis Vaughan: out for two months.