Their record pre-season record so far reads “played three, lost two and drawn one,” but Raith Rovers boss John McGlynn has still declared himself satisfied with how his side are progressing.
The Stark’s Park gaffer believes it is only a matter of time before his players start turning chances into goals to secure that elusive first victory hopefully today when they line up against East Fife who are holding a two-day tournament that also involves Dundee and Southend.
Raith narrowly lost games last weekend against Arbroath and Montrose, then shared the spoils with English side Morecambe in midweek. McGlynn is confident his players will soon recapture the winning habit.
He said, “It should be a good work-out over the two days. It is tough for the players taking part in two games in just 48 hours but we had a bit of a dress rehearsal last week when we played on the Friday and the Saturday.
“We face John Robertson’s East Fife first and he has done a good job since taking over there. They have done well in friendlies against Hearts and Hibs this summer and he has brought some good players in so it will be a big test for our lads.
“However, we did well on Tuesday night against Morecambe. Overall, I feel we are making good progress. We are playing well and are creating a lot of chances.
“Admittedly, we have not been putting many of them away but if there is such a thing as a good time to be missing opportunities, then it is in pre-season.Contribution”We are also very pleased with the way the new lads have fitted in as well as the contribution of some of our younger players so far.
“However, we are still desperate to pick up our first victory this weekend as winning breeds confidence.”
McGlynn revealed that his side’s pre-season build-up has come at a cost, with two experienced players sidelined with injuries picked up last weekend.
He said, “Dougie Hill has a foot injury and he will be out for between two and six weeks. Scott McBride also has a foot injury and there is no time scale on how long he will be out for.
“He has had an X-ray and nothing is broken but he is still in some pain.”
Cowdenbeath, who scored a shock 2-1 win over Hearts on Tuesday night, are looking to cause another upset when they meet a Dundee United X1 at Central Park this afternoon.
The Fifers’ new manager Colin Cameron has set his players a tough schedule against top opposition with three games in a seven-day spell with St Mirren completing the premier treble on Tuesday, at Central Park.
Cameron was delighted with the way his young squad acquitted themselves against Hearts but wants to see all his players in action, which means a number of changes are planned for today’s game.
Cameron last night clinched the signing of 19-year-old winger Jordan Morton from Hearts on a six-month loan deal.
The young Tynecastle star had impressed as a trialist for the Fifers in two pre-season games and Cameron is delighted they have been able to bring him to Central Park.
He said, “He has shown his quality in our last two games with two goals against Spartans and another one against Hearts on Tuesday night.”
Hibernian have taken former Bristol Rovers and Nottingham Forest striker Junior Agogo on trial.
The 32-year-old is training with the Easter Road club and could feature in friendlies against Barnsley on Saturday and Falkirk on Tuesday.
St Mirren have completed the signing of Dutch left-back Jeroen Tesselaar, who was released by AZ Alkmaar. Tesselaar has signed a one-year contract after international clearance came through for his transfer yesterday afternoon.
Aberdeen have announced that Iceland international Kari Arnason has agreed to join the club subject to a medical. The 28-year-old has impressed manager Craig Brown in training and friendly action this week and is set to sign a contract on Monday.
Arnason, who can play in defence or midfield, had a trial with Hearts earlier this summer after leaving Plymouth.