Raith Rovers' Scottish Cup goal hero Jordan Doherty eyeing St Johnstone scalp this Saturday

The 25-year-old Irishman, who has been at Raith since January, netted the only goal of the match as the Kirkcaldy outfit overcame stuffy League One side Alloa Athletic 1-0 at Stark’s Park on Saturday, booking a fourth round tie at Aberdeen next month.

Doherty, who started in the defence as part of a 4-3-3 formation before moving further forward later in the game, told Raith TV post match: “Second half, just seeing the game out, I moved into centre midfield. That's a part of my game. I'm comfortable in a lot of different positions, I've always said it.

"I think I've had a decent game. There were a lot of good performances. The most important thing is getting through to the next round. We've done that, so happy days.

"Whatever the gaffer looks for me to do, I'll do it to the best of my ability. I think I've always done that, I enjoy it as well.

"It keeps me switched on, switching around different positions. I'll always try and make the position my own wherever I'm at.

“The gaffer's not been in too long. I'm trying to implement his ideas as much as possible. The training sessions have been really enjoyable, really intense.

"I think the gaffer and Andy (Millen, assistant manager) want to build a real togetherness in the group. Obviously, we've got a good togetherness in that. They want to build that connection with ourselves, build it with the fans.

"It's been brilliant so far. Since he's come in training has been really good, really intense. I think the message from the gaffer was to have some belief in ourselves.

"I think the performances will improve as we spend more time on the pitch together.”

Doherty and his Raith mates face arguably the toughest test in the William Hill Championship this Saturday as they travel to league leaders St Johnstone in a 3pm kick-off.

Although Simo Valakari’s side were on the receiving end of a shock 2-1 home loss to Cove Rangers after extra-time in last weekend’s Scottish Cup third round tie at McDiarmid Park, they have won 10, drawn 4 and lost just two of their 16 league games so far this campaign to sit 15 points clear of sixth-placed Raith.

Doherty added: “Obviously, it'll be a tough game. We're going to go there and win, hopefully.

"I think the gaffer is trying to bring that mindset in that whoever it is we play against, we'll be right up for it.

"Hopefully, our talent shines through on the day. The talent that we've got in the group and the players that we've got is top-notch.

"I think we should be higher in the table for the team that we are. I think it's about being consistent and doing a week in and a week out. I think that will be the most important thing for us.

"If you have good performances, results will follow. I'm looking forward to working with the gaffer, building on performances and letting the results come in.”