The Ice Man Cometh

Craig Dargo:- "They need to keep a cool head, fire in the belly and ice in the mind and take it from there ...

Craig Dargo has played in an Ayrshire derby while at Kilmarnock and has already played for the Pars in the season's first derby at Cowdenbeath but it is his first ones - three for Raith Rovers against Dunfermline - that he remembers the most. No real surprise since the then 21 year old scored three times in three games back in season 1999-2000. Speaking exclusively to the website, Craig recalled:-

"It is a fixture that I have played in before although on the opposite side. It was a fixture that I enjoyed playing in and being involved in. It brings out the best in both teams because you are playing in front of a near full house.

"I scored a few goals against Dunfermline but it was a fixture that I liked playing in. It is going to be a big fixture again because Raith are a good side and they will be up there challenging. I am looking forward to it.

"Both teams have started the season really well and we want to keep on a wee run. Especially with Raith coming off a good result in midweek at Ross County, it is all set up for a cracking game."

Asked if he harboured a soft spot for the Rovers, Craig said that you have feelings for every team you play for. In Craig's case that means all of seven clubs:-

"I always look for the results of the teams that I have played for throughout my career. When I was let go by Hibs, Raith were the ones who gave me the opportunity so obviously I am very fond of Raith. They believed in me and the rest is really history. But the result that I will be looking for is a Dunfermline win at the weekend."

Derbys are special games, they mean so much for the fans and players have to be wise to them:-

"You watch some people going into derbies a bit blind like a rabbit in the headlights and they don't understand what the occasion means. Luckily I have played in a few and know what it is all about and what it means for both sets of supporters.

"I hope to be in the squad for Saturday but will need to wait and see. The Manager rested a couple of the boys on Tuesday night, there is obviously a lot of competition for places so it all depends.

"It is a good atmosphere and a good game to play in especially for some of the younger ones. That is where they need to keep their composure; it is a derby, it is going to be firey and they need to keep a cool head, fire in the belly and ice in the mind and take it from there rather than getting caught up in the whole atmosphere and doing something rash."