Raith Rovers’ Mark Stewart has revealed he missed the recent double header against Hibs after he was floored by a virus that caused him to lose half a stone in weight.
The front man made his comeback against Alloa in midweek, coming off the bench in the 67th minute but was unable to prevent Rovers slumping to a disappointing defeat against the Championship strugglers.
However, Stewart is confident that Raith, who travel to face St Mirren this afternoon, will get back to winning ways soon.
He said: “I think there was a time when I was at Dundee, there were about 10 of us injured but they had a much bigger squad than Raith do now.
“There were about 30 of us in total at Dens so it did not affect us too much.
“However, this is the worst I have seen at Raith. The last couple of months have been unfortunate and we have been hit with injuries to key players.
“We only have a squad of 18 or 19.
“It has really taken its toll but I think the boys have dealt with it well.
“I have also been struggling with a virus.
“It struck just after New Year and affected me and the missus sickness, the lot.
Stewart added: “We couldn’t move and I was out for a few days. I came back in but I’m not sure if it was maybe too early.
“Then on the Friday night before the Hibs cup game, I just completely crashed again with a fever and high temperature.
“I phoned the doctor and he told me I couldn’t go near any of the boys and I had to stay away again.
“So I came back in on Monday and did a wee bit of the session. I had a conversation with the gaffer about the game on the Tuesday and he felt it was best that I just came off the bench to ease myself back in.
“I felt all right but in the last week and a bit I have lost half a stone because of the illness.
“I felt a wee bit weak but nothing compared to where I was on the Saturday, where I woke up and knew I wouldn’t be able to play.
“I feel all right now, so we will see what happens come the weekend.
“Hopefully, our luck will soon turn again, we get everyone back fit and we can kick on again.”
Following the departures of Craig Wighton as well as Jon Daly and with Lewis Vaughan out through injury, Stewart is the last recognised striker at the club.
Manager Ray McKinnon is working frantically to try to bring another front man in but Stewart is confident he can supply goals if he is played up top.
He said: “I am probably the only one left but even I haven’t been playing up front.
“A good half of the games, I have been playing out wide.
“So we definitely need to get a striker or two in just to balance out the squad again.
“You never know, I might get a full run through the middle again and get my goal tally up a bit.
“I am versatile and it is good that the manager can trust you to play different positions but I do prefer playing through the middle.
“When I am fit, I know I have goals in me and I am willing to take that responsibility on for the rest of the season.
“We are really disappointed with the result from the other night so we will be looking to bounce back with a positive performance against St Mirren.”