Raith Rovers boost promotion hopes with loan signing of Dundee defender Lee Ashcroft

Veteran centre-back becomes third Dundee player to join Raith on loan this season

Raith Rovers have signed Dundee defender Lee Ashcroft on loan.

Raith Rovers have bolstered their squad for the Championship title push with the loan signing of Dundee defender Lee Ashcroft.

The Kirkcaldy side claim to have won the race to land the 30-year-old ahead of a number of their division rivals as they look to build on their 2-1 win over Dundee United last Friday that saw them close the gap on the league leaders to a single point.

Ashcroft has made eight appearances for Dundee this season, scoring one goal, and was a recent starter for the Premiership side. He becomes the third player from Dens Park to join Raith on loan alongside midfielder Shaun Byrne and striker Zak Rudden at Stark's Park.

Raith manager Ian Murray said: "This is another good signing to help our squad. Lee is a player we identified a while ago and finally have secured his services. He will add more experience and competition into the squad going into the latter part of the season.

“Lee is an out and out defender and good in both boxes. Again, I'd like to thank the Raith Rovers Board of Directors for their continued backing in the loan market and Dundee FC for their part in the loan negotiations.

“Myself and the rest of the coaching staff look forward to working with Lee for the next few months.”