Raith boss Ray McKinnon has praised two of his players for showing maturity beyond their years during last Friday night’s victory over Morton at Cappielow which took the Fife side back into the Championship promotion play-off spots.
Nineteen-year-old David Bates had to come off the bench in just the 35th minute when Lewis Toshney, who has had a succession of injury problems this month, had to be withdrawn from the action.
The teenager gave an assured performance in defence and McKinnon was also impressed by another 19-year-old, Ross Matthews, when he came on in the 68th minute to replace Ryan McCord in midfield.
The manager said: “We were delighted to get a valuable three points at what is a tough venue to go to.
“The lads did really well and special praise must go to Batesy and Ross.
“They were both fantastic with Batesy really calm at the back.
“He has the same temperament as Ross who put in two monster tackles when he came on.
“It is good the club has such promising youngsters coming through.”
Meanwhile, McKinnon is resigned to being without Toshney for the Boxing Day home clash with Alloa.
The manager added: “Tosher is definitely out for the weekend after pulling up again on Friday night.
“Grant Anderson will be doubtful while Kyle Benedictus sat out training at the start of the week with his knee problem but hopefully he will make it.
“Iain Davidson has been to the hospital about his broken nose but it did not prevent him playing against Morton.”