Raith Rovers' Kai Montagu on his 'unbelievable' recent run in team

Former East Kilbride star Montagu, who has made 17 league appearances this term, also already has a winner’s medal in his young career having helped Raith to a 4-1 KDM Evolution Trophy final victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Firhill Stadium on April 5.

He told the Fife Free Press: “I’d say scoring the two goals against Airdrie and the cup final win are the two best experiences I’ve had in football so far.

"It was unbelievable getting that double against Airdrie, probably the best feeling in the world. All the fans were backing me and just giving back to them was a great feeling.

“The final was an amazing day. My family were there so it was a really proud moment for me.

"I know a lot of people go through their careers and they might not get opportunities to play in finals like that so I’m just very grateful.

"And I think my goal against Arbroath is definitely the easiest one I’ve ever scored.

"Chinny (Richard Chin) laid it on a plate for me and then I think if I had missed that one I'd have had to have hung up the boots right there!”

That loss at The Red Lichties last weekend means fifth-placed Raith are five points behind fourth-placed Dunfermline and the final promotion play-off position with two matches remaining, but Montagu is not throwing in the towel at the thought over overhauling that deficit.

He said: "After losing at Arbroath on Saturday, there has been a real frustration among the boys in training.

"We were on a good run the last few weeks, the boys were full of confidence and Saturday came unexpectedly to us all really, I just felt like we weren't really at it at all.

"On the day they turned up, we didn't and they took the three points. But look, anything can happen, we’ll just take it game by game and see what happens come the end of the season.”

When asked what he puts his recent improved form down to, Montagu replied: “Lots of hard work on the training pitch obviously.

"I feel like I've waited a good time for my opportunity and when I've come into the team I've felt as if I've done well.

"But there's always more to come.

"I feel like I've waited a good time for my opportunity and when I've come into the team I've felt as if I've done well.

"But there's always more to come.

"Obviously more goals are something I want to add to my game.

"I can always strive for more so just want to keep my head down and try to push on again.

“It was a slow start to the season for me personally, trying to break into the team.

"It's always hard when you're coming up as a younger player but for me it was always just trying to break into the team.

"It took longer than expected but I feel like when I've come into the team I've done all I could."

On Raith’s final two league games, at St Johnstone on Friday and at home to Ross County next Friday, Montagu said: “Friday will be a very tough game.

"Obviously it's one of the toughest plays to go in the league, they’ve won the league.

"So it'll be tough but we'll go there with a game plan and hopefully execute it well and get three points.”

On the faith which Raith gaffer Dougie Imrie has in him, Montagu added: “Previous managers have put belief in me but not for a prolonged period of time.

"I'm very grateful to have had a run of games in the last few weeks to obviously try and show what I can do and help the team.

"I’ve worked under a few different managers now – they’ve all had their own ways they want to work – and it’s always a learning curve for me as a young player.”