Callum Smith maybe didn’t expect dramatic late wins and draws most weeks, but he knew it would be a wild ride at Raith Rovers.
That has certainly been the case so far.
After opening the scoring in Rovers’ most recent victory, last weekend at home to Queen’s Park, he laid on Lewis Vaughan’s injury-time winner, sparking pandemonium in the home stands.
Their Championship opener had been another Raith late show, with two goals in the final 10 minutes securing a late draw at Partick Thistle.
Callum Smith: It was always like that
Smith had an inkling it would be this way, having played under Rovers boss Ian Murray at his previous club.
“To be fair, when I had the gaffer at Airdrie as well, it was always like that,” Smith tells Courier Sport.
“I kind of did expect it. It always seems to be his teams that end up doing things like this. It’s been really good so far.”
Smith was speaking in the middle of a Thursday double-session ahead of the SPFL Trust Trophy third-round tie versus Northern Irish outfit Cliftonville.
Callum Smith shines in crazy Diamonds
The Rovers star has good memories from past assaults on the competition, notably with Airdrie under Murray,
He scored three times in eight Challenge Cup appearances for the Diamonds, but his assist record isn’t bad either.
That, though, is something he has only come to appreciate as his career has progressed.
‘My priority is goals’
Assisting last weekend’s “massive” winning goal is a case in point.
“It was a great moment to be a part of,” he explains.
“When I was younger I didn’t really care at all about assists, but the way football is going, it’s all about numbers – how many goals and assists you can add.
“I do look into it a wee bit more now. My main priority is goals, but when I’m playing on the wings, I do look to try to get more assists and more balls into the box.
“When I play up front, it’s all about goals. If I can get both then it’s a bonus.”
