The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Murray optimistic over Raith loanees
Raith Rovers boss Ian Murray is hopeful all three of his loan players will see out the season at Stark’s Park.
Kieran Ngwenya, Kyle Connell and Connor O’Riordan have all played key roles in the Kirkcaldy club’s campaign.
Left-back Ngwenya signed a season-long move from Aberdeen with a recall option in January.
“It’s pretty normal now,” Murray told Courier Sport. “We also have that in our loans going out.
“There’s a 10-day window where they can recall – that’s purely to help all parties. There has been some early discussions on all three.
“It’s very difficult at the moment up here because the top league is not playing.
“They are away at the moment and having a wee break at training camps and probably reassessing their own squads.
“We’ll probably get a clearer indication on the Scottish boys by the middle of the [transfer] window.”
Connell also signed on loan until January but the striker’s contract with parent club Kilmarnock runs out then.
Murray added: “It kind of lies with Kilmarnock, they have first choice.
“Once we’re further down the line, whatever they do affects us. It would be good for Kyle to get settled somewhere, have real focus and longevity in his career.
“It’s a tough thing for Kyle. Yeah, there are games where he could have done better, he could have brushed up on a few things, but he’s still young.
“There’s also been games he’s been excellent and shown real maturity.”
Connell has put in match-winning performances against Ayr United and Partick Thistle this season and will now have more competition with the return of Jamie Gullan and Ethan Ross.
“He needs that, he can’t be too comfortable,” said the Rovers boss.
One loanee who has been a regular in the side since
his arrival is centre-half O’Riordan, 19.
He moved north from Crewe Alexandra until January but there have already been talks about extending that deal.
The teenager has been a mainstay in a defence with the second best record in the division – and Crewe are thought to be happy with the move.
Murray said: “Kieran has had to wait a bit of time to get in the team but is playing really well.
“And Connor has done exceptionally well. We’ve had very early discussions with Crewe.
“So it’s going to be out of our hands but we’re very,
very hopeful that possibly all three will still be here.”
Meanwhile, Murray is looking to bounce back against Queen’s Park today after a disappointing performance in the defeat to Dundee last week.
Rovers will also want to maintain their very good home record.
They have lost just two of their matches at Stark’s Park, winning the other five.
“I think Queen’s Park have adapted to the league exceptionally well,” said Murray.
“They play very good football, they look patient.
“So it’s two teams that like to play. Obviously conditions are slightly
different with the wind and rain. Hopefully it dies down and it will be a good open game, a hard game for both teams, as fourth v fifth tells its own story.”
Murray will be without Ross Matthews after he had an injury flare-up ahead of last week’s match.
But his attacking options have been bolstered with the return of two players who missed last Saturday.
“Ross Matthews is going to miss out again which is really unfortunate,” continued Murray.
“But we got Ryan Nolan back last week and Jamie Gullan and Ethan Ross are back this week.”