By Craig Smith

RAITH ROVERS boss John McGlynn believes his side are ready and raring to go for the season ahead and can secure a winning start with an Alba Challenge Cup success over Stirling Albion.

McGlynn’s men have had a largely impressive build-up to the new campaign and will travel to Forthbank in buoyant mood to face a Stirling side they know all too well from the past few seasons stuck in the second division.

Rovers have recorded wins over Airdrie United and Blyth Spartans in pre-season and were also 1-0 up against Hibs on Tuesday night before rain stopped play, with narrow defeats to Norwich City and Hamilton Accies the only blots on the copybook.

McGlynn said, “I’ve got to be very happy with the way pre-season has gone for us and we’ve got to now take that into our first competitive game against Stirling.

“We look sharp and we’ve got to think that what we did in pre-season has worked— but I suppose the proof of the pudding will come in May when the league finishes.”

Raith had mixed fortunes on their trips to Forthbank in last season’s second division, having lost 2-1 and won 1-0 at Albion’s ground, with the two other games at Stark’s Park drawn.

Rovers will welcome Robert Sloan back into the fold after injury but there is still a slight doubt over new signing Gregory Tade after he picked up a foot knock on Tuesday night—although the Rovers physios are optimistic he will be fit for the game.