 In September 2009, Russell played and scored in Dundee United's League Cup win against Ross County before undertaking a month's loan with Raith Rovers in the Scottish Football League First Division, which was subsequently extended until Boxing Day.The deal was further extended until the end of the season, and Russell ended his time in Kirkcaldy with his first senior hat-trick in a final day 4–1 win over Ross County.In April 2011, Russell scored a header for Dundee United's second goal in a 3–2 win at Ibrox, in which David Goodwillie scored the winner in the 89th minute.