Double header for Raith Rovers and Hearts

Both playing and backroom staff fell victim to the virus last week, forcing the postponement of Saturday’s Championship match with Inverness after Rovers were unable to field the minimum 13-strong playing squad.

It is understood that the club tried to make a number of emergency loan signings to ensure the game went ahead but were unsuccessful.

Since then, Stark’s Park has been closed down, with all staff self-isolating at home, but the club insist that they will be able to fulfil this weekend’s trip to Edinburgh to face Championship leaders Hearts.

A statement from the club reads: “Raith Rovers have been co-operating fully with numerous partners and agencies in relation to the recent Covid-19 outbreak.

"Working alongside them, the club have undertaken additional measures and have been doing all that is required to keep all staff safe.

"We look forward to playing in Saturday’s fixture against Hearts.”

The match is the first in a double-header between the two sides as they meet again on Tuesday night at Stark’s Park. Those games are the first league meetings between the two sides this season, though they did play each other in October at Tynecastle in the group stage of the Betfred Cup, with Hearts winning 3-1.

The Jambos, managed by former East Fife player Robbie Neilson, are the bookies’ clear favourites for the Championship title, and with a seven-point lead and a goal difference of plus-19 at the moment, there’s little to suggest there is going to be any great shock come May.

They also remain unbeaten at home, and with John McGlynn’s men having had next to no time to train – if any at all – before Saturday, it’s going to be a tough ask to take anything from the game.

Tuesday night’s match is a different prospect, however.

A loss to Queen of the South aside, the Kirkcaldy side have been impressive at home, and both defeats for Neilson’s side have come on the road this season. Even in victory, the Jambos have looked far from their best away from Tynecastle.

McGlynn’s men will rightly fancy their chances but it remains to be seen which players will be available.