Raith boss Ray McKinnon is set to hand striker Joel Thomas his first start for the club at a packed Stark’s Park tomorrow against Rangers.
The Frenchman made his debut for Rovers against the same side at Ibrox on March 1 however with first-choice front man Mark Stewart out after suffering an ankle injury this week and on-loan Rangers striker Ryan Hardie not allowed to play against his parent club, the manager will turn to Thomas to plough a lone furrow up front.
McKinnon’s other striking option, Harry Panayiotou, has just returned from international duty with St Kitts and it is likely he will be asked to make an impact off the bench as the Kirkcaldy side look to put the brakes on a potential title-winning afternoon for Rangers.
The Stark’s gaffer admitted that losing Stewart was a devastating setback, saying: “I’m gutted. It’s the biggest blow we could get at this time in the season or any time.
“He’s our top goal-scorer and he was absolutely flying in training. The other day he banged in a hat-trick in one of our wee games.
“And then he just did his ankle blocking a shot.
“His ankle is still swollen, so we don’t know the extent of the injury or how long he’s going to be out for.
“But he’ll certainly miss Saturday and the coming weeks.”
McKinnon added: “Mark is out, Ryan is out, and Harry just flew into Glasgow on Thursday morning. He’ll be knackered because he’s been flying all night.
“It shows the importance of bringing Joel in. This is exactly why we brought him in, because we knew that anything could happen with the strikers.
“I’m delighted to have Harry and Joel available for Saturday, albeit I think Harry will be absolutely shattered after two games in five days and all the travelling he’s had to do.
“It’s more than likely we’ll start with Joel up top and give him his chance against Rangers.
“He did very well last week when he came on.”
Thomas and the rest of his team-mates will have to be at their best against a Rangers side that can possibly clinch the title at Stark’s Park.
If Mark Warburton’s side win and Hibs either draw or lose at St Mirren, the Light Blues will be crowned champions.
However, McKinnon insists his side still have plenty to play for themselves and they are determined to act as party poopers.
He said: “I can envisage what it’s going to be like the place is going to be rocking.
“It’s their first opportunity to win the league and get back into the Premiership for the first time in four years and it’s against us.
“They’re going to be flying and be right up for it. They’re going to come out of the traps like goodness knows what because of the hype of the game and the fact they can win the league.
“But that brings its own pressure, and I prefer to look at it that way.
“I’ll hopefully set up my team right, with good, strong players, and let’s go and knock them off their stride.
“It’s an incentive for our players and that’s the way we’re looking at it.
“It will be a tough game, but we’ve certainly got something to play for as well.
“We’ve got a play-off place to try and secure and that’s what we’ll be focused on. Hopefully it will be a good game.”