As the world’s best known – and possibly only – professional footballer to still be playing having recovered from four devastating ACL knee injuries in his career, the incredible resilience of Raith Rovers striker Lewis Vaughan is indisputable.

And the 30-year-old Edinburgh-born forward, who missed several months of playing time on each occasion after suffering two ruptures to each knee across August 2015, January 2019, September 2019 and August 2021, says the support of his wife Demi, dad Ray and mum Lorraine have constantly been key components in him finding the fortitude to battle back from oblivion time and again.

Vaughan told the Fife Free Press: "My family have definitely been rocks the way they’ve supported me. They’ve been a massive part of my recoveries, making sure I kept going and never chucked the towel in.

“I'd be very surprised if there is any other professional footballer who has recovered from four ACLs.

Lewis Vaughan celebrates after scoring for Raith Rovers against Dunfermline Athletic last August (Pic by Ross Parker/SNS Group)

placeholder image — Lewis Vaughan celebrates after scoring for Raith Rovers against Dunfermline Athletic last August (Pic by Ross Parker/SNS Group)

"Demi (who Vaughan married last summer) has been there for all the ACL ruptures. She's been through everything, even carrying the ice machines back and forth to the kitchen for me!

"My dad Ray is still working just now. He's a joiner by trade and has his own building company which he's had for a few years. He's doing well and is a very determined guy trying to make that business successful, so I maybe get my resilience from him.

"I think you just have it or you don't. You can't buy determination, you can't teach it, some people have it, some people don't. I've certainly got it in abundance, coming back from the four ACLs.

"I'm even just determined to do well in football games and football training sessions, outside of injury, so I like to think I'm a very determined person."

Lewis Vaughan pictured on crutches at Stark's Park in October 2024 (Pic by Ross Parker/SNS Group)

Vaughan – who played his first senior match for Raith way back in 2012 – has been a loyal servant to the Kirkcaldy club in the 14 years since and was rewarded with a testimonial against his boyhood favourites Hibernian in March 2024.

He will be forever grateful for the support in recovering from the knee injuries which he’s received at Stark’s Park, but also stressed that he has been very good for Raith as well.

Vaughan said: "Of course I'm very grateful. The club have been there through thick and thin for me.

"But loyalty is a two-way street. As loyal as they've been to me, I think we've been very good for each other, if I'm honest. I've needed them, and they've needed me.

Lewis Vaughan playing for Raith Rovers at Airdrieonians last September (Pic by Mark Scates/SNS Group)

"I think we've both stepped up to the plate. As I said, I've loved my time at the club, I've been here for a long time.

"I just want to play football on a Saturday and stay fit.

"Hopefully I can do that for the rest of the season and fire Raith Rovers up the league.”

When asked if his dream would be to play for Raith in the William Hill Premiership, Vaughan added: “Of course. I’ve been at the club for a long time and it’s probably no secret that I want to test myself at the highest level possible.

"Whether that's with Raith Rovers or somebody else, I obviously want to go to the Premier League and hopefully the club can get there.”