RAITH ROVERS will welcome Hibernian to Stark’s Park tonight in the latest of the Kirkcaldy club’s pre-season fixtures.

Fresh from their exploits in the weekend’s Ronnie Swan Challenge Cup tournament in Edinburgh, Rovers are likely to face another stiff test of their credentials when they come up against an Easter Road side sure to be rejuvenated under new boss John Hughes.

Raith continued their build up to the new season with two games in two days over the weekend, losing out to Hamilton Accies on penalties after a 2-2 draw on Saturday before seeing off Blyth Spartans 4-2 in the third/fourth place play-off on Sunday.

All in all, it was a decent workout for the first division new boys, with manager John McGlynn giving most of his squad a run out over the two days.

It is likely to be the same again this evening and, as per Rovers’ other pre-season friendlies, McGlynn isn’t too concerned with the result on the night so long as the performance is encouraging.

“These games are all about fitness,” he said.

“You look to breed a winning mentality and winning is important but it’s not the be all and end all in this type of game.

“It’s all about people competing to get a jersey and nail down a position in the team, people working together as a unit and trying to pass the ball well.

“The fitness aspect has been the main priority and we’ve chosen good opponents for our games.”

Meanwhile, Rovers have confirmed that the turf in the six-yard box at the South Stand end of the ground will be ripped up immediately after the final whistle tonight after complaints that it appeared to move and cut up too easily compared to other parts of the pitch.

Club chairman Dave Somerville admitted that the condition of the goalmouth left a lot to be desired and revealed that contractors will be brought in to re-lay the turf in time for next week’s friendly against Kilmarnock.

“The club is of the view that a good pitch is a key element in the overall development of football at Raith Rovers and consequently the six-yard area will be dug up and prepared for new turf,” he said.

“This will take place immediately after the game against Hibs and we have been assured it will be ready for the game against Kilmarnock.

“Stark’s Park was recognised as one of the best surfaces in the second division and it is intended that the club carries forward that reputation to the first division.”