Edinburgh-born centre-forward Dowds, 29, signed on a one-year deal by Raith this summer after leaving Ayr United, had played six times for the Kirkcaldy outfit – scoring three goals – before missing Rovers’ last three league matches as a result of his sprain picked up in the Highlands last month.

And, when asked to provide an update on Dowds’ fitness this week – Imrie told Raith TV: “Anton picked up a sore one against Inverness.

"It was a really bad tackle on him which gave him a really bad sprain in his ankle.

"So we tried to manage it but we just couldn't seem to get anywhere with that. So he went for a scan which revealed that if he'd got a scan earlier, he'd probably need an operation.

"But now the healing process has started, thankfully for us, he doesn't need an operation now. So hopefully within the next four to six weeks, Anton will be back on the pitch available to play.”

Dowds also includes East Fife, Falkirk, Arbroath (loan) and Partick Thistle among his former clubs.