Raith Rovers manager Dougie Imrie has dismissed concerns over a potential goalkeeper shortage as on-loan Cardiff City youngster Luke Armstrong prepares for international duty. The 20-year-old has been called up by Wales Under-21s for their European Championship qualifiers, but Imrie is confident in his established number one.
Armstrong, who joined Raith for the season, is set to link up with his national team for matches against Belgium on September 29 and Austria on October 6. This means he will be unavailable for Rovers' trip to Greenock Morton on October 3. Imrie confirmed the situation ahead of his side's home game against Livingston this Friday.
"I'm not sure if he is away on Friday, but he'll certainly be away for the following game," Imrie said. "But we've got Josh, it's okay."
The manager, who has been in charge at Stark's Park for around nine months, has full faith in Josh Rae. The 23-year-old has been a consistent presence this season, helping Raith to second place in the Scottish Championship with 14 points from seven matches. Their recent form of three wins, one draw and one loss has kept them firmly in the promotion picture, five points behind leaders Stenhousemuir.
"I've done it many times as a manager," Imrie added, referencing his previous experience at Greenock Morton. "It's okay, Josh is doing well."
Rae's performances have been central to a strong defensive record, with the team conceding just three goals so far this campaign. The side's last outing was a goalless draw away to Partick Thistle, a result that extended their unbeaten run to three games.
With Armstrong away, Rae is expected to start against both Livingston this week and Morton next. The fixture against Morton will see Imrie return to his former club, adding an extra layer to an important period in the season. Raith's next match is at home to fifth-placed Livingston on Friday evening.
The original report is at Fife Today Football
