Iain Davidson has been there, done that and has the medals to prove it.
Now, he is hoping to take another step towards what would be his third championship winner’s medal when Raith play League 1 title rivals Ayr United at Stark’s Park this afternoon.
Rovers, who have a perfect 10 out of 10 home league wins so far this season, are currently one point ahead of the Honest Men at the top of the table with two games in hand on Ian McCall’s side.
It could prove to be a pivotal match in the title race but Davidson knows from his own experience that there will undoubtedly be twists and turns before the end of the season having previously won promotion before with Raith as well as Dundee.
The player, who will celebrate his 34th birthday tomorrow, said: “It’s all about having that will to win, the desire.
“For us on Saturday, as long as we do not lose the game, it will probably be a decent result.
“In an ideal world we want to win the game but for the boys who haven’t been in this position before I would just say to play your normal game and look at it as another three points.
“It is against our title rivals but keep doing what you are doing. You are in the team for a reason.
“Whoever wins on Saturday will possibly have a bit of a psychological edge but I am sure there will be twists and turns.
“Obviously I have won promotion before from the old Division Two with John McGlynn and won the Championship with Dundee.
“I kind of know what it takes in the lower leagues.
“We have a good mentality about us at the moment and hopefully that will hold us in good stead against Ayr.”
Raith have won six and drawn one of their last seven games while Ayr have suffered a slump in recent weeks having lost three out of their last four matches.
With Rovers having games in hand on the Somerset Park side, there could be extra pressure on the visitors.
Davidson said: “It’s hard to say but possibly.
“If people want to look at the games in hand that we’ve got and being a point ahead then they may look at it that way.
“But there is still a long way to go. Both of us are going to drop points between now and the end of the season, that’s a fact.
“Whoever drops the least is going to win (the title).
“They have a good squad and so do we. I don’t think there is much between the teams, to be honest.
“We will just worry about ourselves and will give them the respect they deserve.
“Hopefully, come Saturday, we will have three points and opened up a wee gap.”
Davidson added: “It has been a good festive period for us.
“We have taken care of ourselves and got into a good position.
“We have a lot of confidence, we are winning games and there is a great team spirit.
“We have a good mix – me, Graeme Smith, Liam Buchanan and Scott Robertson are probably the more experienced ones and then we have the mid-20s so we have a good balance to the squad.
“Obviously, we are now looking for forward to Saturday and a huge game at Stark’s Park.
“We have a great home record so hopefully we can use that to our advantage.”
