Lewis thrilled to captain Hibs team in his hometown of Kirkcaldy

AS A KID at Balwearie High School in Kirkcaldy Lewis Stevenson would gaze from his classroom across the railway track to Stark's Park where, like every boy in Kirkcaldy, he dreamed of playing.

He managed it once, helping his school win the Fife Cup, but being handed the captain's armband to lead Hibs out in his hometown now outshines that memory.

Stevenson didn't quite manage to cap the night with a victory for Hibs, Mixu Paatelainen's side being held to a goalless draw, but today the youngster insisted that was secondary to grabbing the chance to impress his manager.

Since Paatelainen's arrival the 20-year-old has found himself on the periphery of the action at Easter Road with the new manager's first signing, John Rankin, stepping into the team and making himself a permanent fixture.

Rankin was at Stevenson's side last night in a re-shaped Hibs team – only Colin Nish had started Saturday's InterToto Cup tie against IF Elfsborg in Sweden – which included three trialists, none of whom Paatelainen was willing to identify.

One, however, was recognisable, former Chelsea youngster Joe Keenan lining up alongside Stevenson and Rankin in midfield, the others being a goalkeeper from New Zealand and a French central defender.

The keeper rarely found himself tested while the French star looked entirely at ease as he took his place at Martin Canning's side, leading Paatelainen to declare himself satisfied with the performances of all three.

Of just as much importance to Paatelainen, however, was the opportunity to give a number of players the entire 90 minutes, Thierry Gathuessi, playing at left back rather than right, and Kevin McCann making their first appearances.

If disappointed that his side again couldn't find the route to goal, Paatelainen said: "We were delighted to play Raith because we knew they would be very competitive and try to pass the ball properly. It was a good exercise and a number of players got a valuable 90 minutes."

Again, however, Paatelainen admitted there was plenty for his players to improve on, particularly up front with Raith goalkeeper David McGurn virtually untroubled as Hibs failed to convert possession into meaningful attempts on target.

He said: "The game was played at a high tempo, there was plenty of movement and our passing was good up until the last third. We have to take more care with our final pass, we need to be a little better."

Concious that some will again rush to judge the outcome, Paatelainen insisted there was plenty of time to get things right before Hibs face Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on August 9, saying: "I was pleased with our build-up play, our midfield got involved with our strikers but we lacked that killer instinct."

Stevenson agreed with his boss, adamant that the 90 minutes will stand him in good stead as he tries to force his way back into the side on a regular basis. He said: "It was a nice touch to be made captain for a game in my hometown. I used to be able to see Stark's Park from the classrooms at school and I lived ten minutes away from the ground.

"I think every boy in Kirkcaldy dreamt of playing there – or maybe the Bernabeu or the Nou Camp. I'd played there once before for the school but it was good to lead the team out last night.

"I was also delighted to get the full 90 minutes, fitness comes with games so this can only help."

Rather than moan about the lack of opportunity he has had, Stevenson has accepted winning – and keeping – a place in Paatelainen's plans cannot be taken for granted. He said: "I was injured when John Rankin arrived at the club and I cannot argue because the boys who have been playing in midfield have been doing well.

"It's a tough profession because every player wants to be playing in every game. It's up to me to keep working hard but hopefully I will get a few more games."

While there was plenty of effort and endeavour from both sides, goalmouth action at either end was at a premium with Hibs' trialist goalkeeper doing well to get down to a deflected shot from Allan Walker while McGurn, other than taking a low free-kick from Rankin, had little more to do than confidently clutch a series of crosses from either flank.

Nish almost opened the scoring with a shot which flew inches over but Mark Ferry went even closer for Raith, firing in a drive which clipped the top of the bar.

Raith Rovers: McGurn, Wilson, Cook, M Campbell, Davidson, Silvestro (Trialist 61), Dunbar (Sloan 61), Walker, Wardlaw (Bryce 77), Weir (Trialist 71), Ferry (Beveridge 81). Subs not used: O'Connor.

Hibs: Trialist, McCann, Gathuessi, Trialist, Canning, Keenan, Morais, Stevenson, Nish, Campell (Gray 72), Rankin (McCormack 61). Subs not used: Grof, Cropley, Welsh, Byrne.

Referee: Colin Brown