Raith Rovers manager Dougie Imrie has confirmed Dylan Easton is a major doubt for this weekend's league game after suffering a significant ankle injury in the win at Greenock Morton. The 32-year-old midfielder was hurt in a second-half challenge that Imrie labelled a 'stonewall' penalty, which referee Sean Murdoch did not award.
Imrie gave a graphic description of the injury's severity. "Obviously, Dylan's ankle is like a water balloon," the manager said. "So I very much doubt he'll be available for the Queen's Park game." Easton was replaced by Lewis Stevenson after 53 minutes at Cappielow, having earlier provided the assist for George Oakley's winning goal.
Impact on squad selection
The injury adds to a growing list of fitness concerns for Imrie to manage ahead of the visit of Queen's Park, a key fixture as the club looks to close the gap in the Championship standings. The manager confirmed he will need to assess several players with minor issues before finalising his team for the upcoming fixtures. Striker Lewis Vaughan, who recently returned from a long absence, is being carefully managed. "We need to drip him in, drip him out and ensure he is up to speed," Imrie explained.
The club is already without Charlie Telfer, Calum Adamson and Anton Dowds through injury, with their statuses listed on the club's injuries page. Imrie stated that Easton's injury is a "massive blow" given his recent form, which has been a key part of the team's attacking stats. The manager will now have to consider his options from the wider squad to fill the creative void.
Despite the setback, Raith Rovers secured a valuable three points last Saturday. Jai Rowe opened the scoring in the 16th minute before Morton's Michael Garrity equalised. Easton then fired a low shot that George Oakley turned home for the decisive goal in the 67th minute, securing a 2-1 victory.
They remain five points behind leaders Stenhousemuir but have a game in hand. Their recent form shows three wins, a draw and a loss from their last five outings. Raith Rovers will make a final decision on Easton's availability after assessing the squad through Friday and into Saturday morning at Stark's Park.
The original report is at Fife Today
