Raith Rovers manager Dougie Imrie has provided injury updates on defenders Ross Millen and Anton Dowds following the team's 2-0 William Hill Championship victory at Inverness Caledonian Thistle. The win keeps the Stark's Park side firmly in the promotion hunt, sitting third in the table with ten points from five matches.
Millen, 31, missed the trip north due to a calf problem sustained in training. Imrie told reporters that the full-back suffered a significant impact. "Ross got a kick in his calf, so we need to be careful with that," the 43-year-old manager said. "It was quite a severe bang in training." The manager's comments confirm the injury is not a muscle strain but a direct impact, which will influence his recovery timeline.
Forward Anton Dowds was forced off after 54 minutes of the match at the Caledonian Stadium. Imrie explained the nature of the incident that led to the substitution. "He's just got a severe rolled ankle," Imrie stated. "He went to take a touch in turning, and unfortunately it was planted and the boy just came right through him." The specific description points to a lateral ankle sprain, an injury that typically requires a period of rest and rehabilitation. Dowds' absence was partially offset by the return of George Oakley, who came off the bench after his own recovery from injury.
The three points from Inverness were vital for Raith's early-season ambitions. The club currently holds third place in the Scottish Championship, having collected ten points from a possible fifteen. Their record shows three wins, one draw, and one loss from the opening five fixtures, with a recent form guide reading WLWWD. In attack, they have scored seven goals while conceding only three, giving them a healthy +4 goal difference. However, they trail league leaders Stenhousemuir by three points. Fans can track the evolving standings throughout the season.
Attention now turns to a key home encounter. Raith Rovers host Arbroath at Stark's Park on January 2, 2027, in a match that carries extra weight. Arbroath currently occupies fourth position, making it a direct clash between two sides in the upper reaches of the table. A victory for Raith would consolidate their top-three status and apply pressure on the teams above them. The full schedule of upcoming matches is available on the club's fixtures page.
Managing squad depth is a constant challenge in a demanding league campaign. The absence of Millen tests the defensive options available to Imrie, while Dowds' potential spell on the sidelines could affect attacking rotations. The timely return of George Oakley provides a welcome boost to the forward line. The manager will be assessing his available personnel closely in training ahead of the Arbroath fixture. Supporters can review the full roster and player availability on the official squad list. Raith Rovers face Arbroath at home on January 2, 2027.
