Boss Ray McKinnon plays down speculation about his future after Raith Rovers win

Raith Rovers boss Ray McKinnon played down speculation about his future after substitute Harry Panayiotou's second-half goal gave his side a crucial 1-0 win over Hibernian in the first leg of their Premiership play-off at a blustery Stark's Park.

The visitors lacked a cutting edge and were made to pay in the 74th minute when Panayiotou, on for James Craigen, headed in a corner from fellow substitute Louis Longridge.

The build-up to the match saw former Dundee United midfielder McKinnon linked to the vacant post at Tannadice where boss Mixu Paatelainen departed earlier in the day after their relegation from the Premiership on Monday night.

Asked how difficult it has been to concentrate on preparations, Rovers boss said: "It hasn't been difficult at all. I'm totally focused on this job, I've said that.

"You can add questions, I'll just bat them away.

'My focus is on Raith Rovers - and trying to get into this Premiership.

"It was a really hard-fought game, as usual. We expected a really tough game and Hibs gave us that.

"But a lot of credit to my lads, they're in good form, they're a very strong bunch - and they wouldn't lie down tonight. They ground out a result."

Hibs striker Jason Cummings missed the best chance of the goalless first half when he lifted the ball over the bar with only keeper Kevin Cuthbert to beat, but even after that the visitors could not find the target with a series of efforts.

Boss Alans Stubbs claimed his side "didn't deserve to lose the game but we have" and complained about the pitch and the stand side assistant referee Graham Chambers.

He said: "You could see yourselves how the pitch was. You were setting yourself to shoot and it was bobbling up, it is not a good pitch to play football.

"In Jason's chance, it bounces up even higher than it normally would but he should still score.

"The officials at this stage, with the importance of the games, shouldn't be getting these decisions wrong. The handball one beggars belief.

"I have got to be careful what I say, the linesman on my side didn't have a good night.

"There was a few things down this side with the linesman and he tries to laugh some of them off. It is frustrating."