Scottish Championship: Could Raith Rovers beat Dundee United to the title?

Murray won’t welcome that sort of chat, though. Yet. But it is being applauded.

Rovers progressed to the fourth round of the Scottish Cup last month with a convincing victory over Dunfermline, their second win at the home of their rivals this season. Former Scotland internationals James McFadden and Michael Stewart were extremely impressed by their industry.

“Rovers look like a side used to winning. Their work-rate is phenomenal.” McFadden said.

“There’s been lots of quality from Raith Rovers, but it’s the work-rate that will really please Ian Murray,” added Stewart.

There is a streetwise swagger about the Stark’s Park side. It’s a quality that cannot be underestimated in a league that resembles a survival of the fittest contest more than a beauty pageant.

They know what they’re doing in this division. Flirting with top spot may be unchartered territory for most, but they’re taking it in their stride so far.

A spell, even as short as a few hours, at the summit would cement the intent of Murray’s men, who look one of the best sides in a notoriously challenging division.

It’s all set up for a cracking tussle on Friday night. And former Partick Thistle boss Ian McCall believes a Rovers victory – moving them them eight points clear of the Firhill side in third – would make a title chase a two-team contest.

“If Raith Rovers beat Thistle on Friday then the top two will be quite far away from third place, which is very unusual for the Championship at this stage of the season,” the Clyde manager told the BBC’s Scottish Football podcast.

“So it’s a big game for both. Ian Murray has done really well. They’ve got five or six boys that can manipulate the ball. It should be a terrific game, but Thistle can’t afford to get beaten if they have ideas of contesting for the title.”