Two new boys can inspire Raith Rovers surge says midfielder

The Kirkcaldy-born midfielder, 31, was speaking in the wake of Rovers signing striker Finlay Pollock on loan from Hearts and former Coventry City right-back Fankaty Dabo on a short term deal until January. In last Saturday’s 1-0 home league win over Falkirk, Pollock played for the first hour while Dabo came on as a 76th-minute substitute.

Byrne said: "Always adding new players into the squad and adding extra depth is good as it creates competition for places.

"You saw it with Finlay scoring against Hamilton on his debut, he was really good, direct and positive when he got the ball.

"We have seen Frankie in training and he's really good quality.

"I think it's two really good signings and it's going to make this squad better so it's only positive.

"Obviously if you've got a settled team and a settled line-up and squad it's always going to help.

"We have been missing key players this season, there's no doubt about that.

"But I feel we've got other good players. Everybody needs to step up a bit more as well.

"Boys are starting to come back, the squad's getting healthier. Look, we've had a tough start but there's a long, long way to go.

"There's no point in being too down in the dumps about it just now, there's plenty time.

"I'm positive that we can turn this into still being a really good season.”