Raith Rovers’ captain Kyle Benedictus: Leading team out in cup final is what dreams are made of

The defender’s opener in last Friday’s Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup semi-final win over Partick Thistle was his first appearance on the scoresheet since netting against Cove Rangers in a League Cup fixture back in July 2016, Gary Locke’s first match in charge. 

With the monkey off his back, and a place in the final secured, the skipper could not contain his delight as he spoke to the Press after the match.

“We’re all over the moon,” he said. 

“It’s national cup final and we’re delighted to be there.

“The boys all worked their socks off.

“It’s been so long, I’m just delighted to get a goal.  
“I just stuck my head out and I think it hit my shoulder.

“Regan (Hendry) has been crying out for a goal as well, so hopefully that will give him more confidence to go and get more.”

Benedictus has a previous Challenge Cup winner’s medal from 2009 when he came off the bench to help Dundee claim a 3-2 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the final.

He will again face the Highlanders in the final on March 28 but it will be a different experience as club captain.

“To lead out the team in a cup final is what dreams are made of,” he said.

“It’s exciting for all the boys because not a lot of players get that opportunity.

“There’s only three or four in the changing room who have been in a final before so a lot of the boys are looking forward to it, and they deserve it for the season they’ve had.”

Benedictus stressed, however, that the league remains the number one priority.

“We’re all delighted to be in final but it goes on the backburner until that day comes and we concentrate on the league again,” he said.

“The Clyde game next week is just as big as this one.

“It’s a team effort, all the boys are fighting for each other, and there’s a great spirit in the dressing room.

“We’ve just got to push on for this league, and we’ve got a chance in a final now.

“It’s all to play for.”