But for new Raith Rovers loan striker Kevin Smith, just taking part in a first team match on Saturday was a special moment.

Smith started a match for the first time in over a year after his bid to become a first team player at Dundee United was hijacked by a knee injury.

The 21-year-old is still waiting for his career to take off after spells at Leeds, Sunderland, Wrexham, Aldershot and Dundee — and he intends to use his loan move to Stark's Park to do just that.

"My career so far his been frustrating," he explained.

"I've had a couple of injuries so I've not played as much first team football as I'd have wanted.

"I had a cartilage injury on my knee so I haven't played many games at all in the past year.

"This is a move I needed to make for my career. I need to play games, but I'm also here to do well for the team.

"Craig Levein spoke highly of John McGlynn so he encouraged me to come here to learn and gain experience."

Smith had just 24 hours to get used to his new club when he was thrust into action against the UEFA Cup runners-up, but he was thrilled to play.

"It was just good to get in the door, meet the boys, and get a good, hard run-out," he said.

"It was good to get a goal but it was more important that the boys played well and we put a good performance on.

"It was a great first game to come into.

"Guys like Weir and Cuellar have done it at the top level so you can only learn by playing against them.

"Their fitness levels and composure on the ball is different class so it's good to test yourself against the best players."

Smith, whose loan deal runs until January, only has one career goal to his name thus far and he aims to change the statistic at Rovers.

"I've no personal targets — the main thing is the team doing well," he said. "If I work hard for the team then I'm sure the goals will come."

Smith admitted he was pleasantly surprised by Rovers performance against Rangers, and believes the team is well-equipped for a title push.

"You saw it for yourself – we looked good out there," he said.

"I was a little surprised at how well we played but Raith are a big club.

"This season is all about pushing forward for promotion, and I'm here to help them do that.

"If we work hard then I'm sure we'll be there or thereabouts. I've never played in the division before but I'm sure I'll find out more in the weeks to come."