Raith Rovers' Lewis Stevenson on being back in starting 11 and pondering retirement from playing

The Hibernian legend told the Fife Free Press: "Zak came in (this summer after leaving Greenock Morton), quite rightfully took the place and did really well. Zak and I are different types of players. We can both give different things to the team.

"Zak has probably been one of our best performers this season but unfortunately he's picked up an injury.

"Hopefully, the injury is not as bad as it could have been and he’ll be back before too long.

"I think there's competition all over the place here. When everyone's fit anyway, there's people covering every position.

"So I think that's when you get the best out of everybody because you know if you don't perform, then people are ready to step in and take your place.”

Stressing that he is now enjoying his football as much as ever, Stevenson added: “I know the game a lot more than I did when I was younger.

"Maybe there's little things I can't do that I used to be able to do, but as long as I give everything I've got, I'll try and use my experience. I just do my best.

“I'm just happy to kind of still be involved I think. Pre-season I was probably playing with a few niggles, probably didn't do myself any justice.

"If you're my age and you're playing back up, then I'm more than happy to do that, being ready for when you're called upon."

Stevenson, who joked that he could potentially become a brain surgeon when he does finally retire from playing, added: “Potentially, last year was my last one as a player so I just play it by ear as it goes.

"I see how the body feels, but I also see how I perform as well.

"If I know I'm not good enough any more, then I'll probably be the first one to hold my hands up and say it's time for me to move on or time for me to pack it in.

"I really enjoy it here, I enjoy working under the gaffer (Dougie Imrie) and being at this club.

"Whatever will be, will be, but I'll do my best to give everything I've got for this club.

"I don't even want to jack it in. I want to keep playing as long as I can.

" People have always advised me that you're a long time retired, so try and play as long as you can.

"But even if that becomes part-time or whatever happens, if a job opportunity comes up, then I'll quit entirely.

"We're still in the second quarter of the season, so hopefully I've got a bit of time to think about that.”

Despite his advanced years, Stevenson has recently been a regular fixture in the Raith starting 11 due to Delaney’s current absence. However, in a season blighted by several injuries to Rovers players, Stevenson didn’t escape as he was used sparingly by manager Imrie due to the ill effects of a niggling injury sustained in pre-season.

Stevenson said: “I just had a wee hamstring problem, but it was fine. It was nothing major. I kind of played through it a wee bit.

"It didn't get worse, which I was probably most concerned about but I managed to get through.

"I genuinely was not one bit frustrated (at not playing when Delaney took his place earlier this season). Sometimes it might just not be a bad thing, not to be playing week in, week out.”