We can be surprise package next season, says Raith Rovers skipper Kyle Benedictus

The 28-year old is out of contract but says he has held positive talks with the management team now they have returned from furlough.

Contract talks are on hold for the time being as the club continues to battle Hearts and Partick Thistle’s legal challenge, but the former Dundee centre back says he wants to return and help Rovers challenge at the top end of the Championship.

“The club want me to stay and I want to stay,” said Benedictus.

“When we got relegated a few season back I said I would stay until we were promoted again.

“Once things are sorted with the Hearts/Partick situation we will see where we are and hopefully we can get a deal sorted.”

The Scottish Championship season will kick off on October 17 and pre-season training will begin in August for the Stark’s Park side, something Benedictus and his teammates are looking forward to.

“Now that we have a date to work towards the boys can get mentally prepared,” he said.

“Obviously we’ve been keeping physically fit but when we can get back together that’s when the real stuff starts.

“We have a tight dressing room and during the season you can see your teammates more than your family.

“We didn’t really have a chance to celebrate being champions, we had a zoom call and a few drinks but it will be great to have everyone back together and go on and enjoy next season.

“First and foremost the aim will be staying in the league and getting that stability but, as a squad, you want to set goals and I don’t see why we cant aim higher, even at those top four spots.

“Arbroath showed last season what you can do going up as champions, they were in the hunt for those play-off spots last season and we will be hoping to be in the hunt near the top end of the table.

“Based on the players we have kept I think we can be the surprise package next year.

“I’ve played in every division in Scotland and I think playing in a higher division will suit us, our play last season was fantastic.

“Even though it’s going to be a shortened season it will be a competitive league with a lot to play for and the boys are looking forward to it.”