Watson winning his race for final fitness

Keith Watson will get “every opportunity” to be fit for Raith Rovers’ Premiership play-off final against Ross County, boss Ian Murray has insisted.

The defender was sidelined for Friday night’s dramatic penalty-kicks victory over Partick Thistle due to a hamstring problem sustained in the first leg at Firhill.

The 34-year-old, who missed over four months of the season with a knee injury, also sat out the final three league games.

His absence in the decider against Thistle pressed into action youngster Dylan Corr, who dislocated his shoulder in the Championship finale against Arbroath less than three weeks ago.

But Watson has stepped up his attempts to be ready to face old club County.

Another doubt for the tie was Josh Mullin, who returned to action in Friday’s triumph over Partick following a lay-off due to a toe problem.

However, it appears there is also better news on the winger.

Murray said: “Keith Watson is improving all the time and did a bit today. So we’ll give him every opportunity.”

He said Mullin had “improved a lot as well”, adding: “Today was probably the best he’s felt and the best he’s trained.”

One player definitely missing for the final is Kyle Turner, as he is on loan from County.

The 26-year-old was influential in both legs against Partick, who he came so close to winning promotion with last year.

However, Raith must find a replacement for the midfielder against the Staggies. Murray said: “It’s unfortunate but it’s one of those things in football – we know the rules before we sign players so we’re not going to moan about it.”