Contract extension for Raith Rovers striker Lewis Vaughan

The highly-rated hitman put pen to paper this week to a deal that will keep him at Stark’s Park until the end of the 2023–24 season.

It’s a real boost for the club as the 25-year-old looks to get back to his best after a return from the latest in series of serious injuries.

He has now managed 11 appearances for Raith this season and is also back on the goal trail, scoring a memorable brace in the 5-1 derby demolition of Dunfermline and a stunning free kick strike at Livingston in the narrow Scottish Cup defeat.

Vaughan made his Rovers debut at the age of just 16 at the end of season 2011-12, and has gone on to make 165 appearances, scoring 54 goals, but both columns would be much higher the striker hadn’t been plagued with injuries.

Edinburgh-born Vaughan has suffered three serious cruciate injuries in his time at Raith, all of which led to lengthy spells on the sidelines.

He needed major surgery on his right knee early in his career, then was out for seven months after damaging his left in January 2019.

Shortly after his return to the side later that year he broke down once again in September, but since returning to the side this season in the home match against Hearts in January he has stayed fit and will play a key part in the push to secure a play-off place at the end of the season.

Speaking about his latest battle for fitness, he said: “It's been a long hard road.

“It's been absolute hell for the past year and half to two years.

"I wouldn't wish for anybody to go through it but I'm through it now, I'm back playing and hopefully I can kick on now and stay injury free.”

Manager John McGlynn told the club’s website that he was “absolutely delighted” that Vaughan had chosen to extend his contract with the club till 2024.

“Both the club and Lewis have shown tremendous loyalty to each other; the club for backing Lewis and getting him through his injuries and Lewis for returning that loyalty by committing to the club for the next three years.

“It’s great news for everyone connected to Raith Rovers and will hopefully help us all in our push to the end of the season and beyond.”