Raith Rovers defender Zak Delaney has discussed the most challenging phase of his career, a time overshadowed by injury before his current spell. The comments from the left-back came ahead of a Championship meeting with a club he previously played for.
Delaney moved to Raith on a multi-year agreement after departing Greenock Morton, and has now become a consistent starter. His performances have seen him selected ahead of the seasoned Lewis Stevenson. Delaney remembered leaving Inverness and then joining another side, stating they were good people.
What happened during his time at Arbroath
The period at his former club was marked by a major problem. Delaney sustained a serious ankle issue very early in his first game for the team. He said the injury was severe and led to a lengthy absence. Following a long recovery, he made several comeback appearances but did not feel he returned to his best level. He called that stretch the hardest he has experienced in the sport.
How is he settling at Raith Rovers
Since arriving at his new club, Delaney has appreciated the support from experienced teammates. He mentioned Lewis Stevenson, Paul Hanlon, and Callum Fordyce as veterans who have provided helpful guidance. His adaptation has come during a positive beginning to the campaign for Ian Murray's team, who are placed high in the league standings after a handful of matches.
The context of the upcoming fixture
This weekend's game has added importance in the early league standings. The visiting team, led by co-managers familiar to Delaney, are close behind Raith. The match offers a chance for a swift response after a recent narrow local defeat. Delaney believed the outcome of that prior game could have been shared.
What the win at Inverness means
The recent away victory against Inverness Caledonian Thistle served as a major morale lift. Delaney observed that their opponent's ground is a difficult venue, an assertion supported by a long unbeaten home run that was ended. Overcoming that sequence has strengthened the group's confidence as they aim for a top finish.
The side's strong defensive performance, conceding few goals so far, is a base for progress. Their goal difference is positive. Delaney and the squad are concentrated on maintaining their recent pattern of results as they get ready for an important match against close competitors.
