Ross County captain Keith Watson determined to continue playing role on the pitch
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Keith Watson is determined to fight to prove he should be a regular starter under Malky Mackay.
The Ross County club captain may be in his veteran years with the Premiership outfit, and eyeing a future career in coaching, but remains driven to be a first pick in defence.
This season, Alex Iacovitti and Jack Baldwin have mostly commanded the central defensive berths but, with the latter injured, Watson turned in with powerful performances against Hibs and Celtic before the World Cup break.
Now enjoying a sunshine training camp with the squad near Cartagena in Spain, Watson has started five Premiership games – including three Old Firm matches – and come on in five.
“I still think I’ve got plenty left,” the 33-year-old said.
“In the past few games, I feel I’ve stepped in and done really well. That gives the manager a decision to make once the break is over.
“I’m still enjoying training every day, still enjoying football.
“I’m looking at progressing on the coaching side of the game for the future, for when I finish, but I feel I’ve plenty of years left in the tank.
“No matter where I am, I want to be playing. I train hard every day and when I do get my chance in the team I look to take it.
“I feel like I’ve done that. Against Hibs and Celtic I performed really well and they were decent results.
“I hope I’ve put something in the manager’s head come team selections after the break.”
When Watson is benched, Baldwin takes the skipper’s armband at County, but always defers to his team-mate if he enters the fray.
Held in high regard by staff and fellow players, Watson is keen to embrace coaching after he hangs up the boots despite the focus on playing.
“I’ve had some good chats with the manager, who has had a lot of involvement at the SFA and has plenty of information on courses and how he does his presentations.
“If I need any help, he’s said don’t be scared to ask. It is something I’m definitely thinking about doing. I’m getting on a little bit, having just turned 33.
“I’d love to stay in the game, so I wanted to make a start and I’m doing the B Licence just now.
“The training ground routines, I’m used to because we’re doing it every day, so it’s more the other side – video analysis and things like that – that is new territory.
“I’m new to cutting clips and stuff with the computer.
“Football doesn’t last forever. I wish I’d started it younger. I’ve done my PT through the PFA and I’m trying to get as many qualifications as possible.
“I’m still training every day and it was good to get a few games towards the end of the break there.
“Hibs, St Mirren and Celtic were all positive performances from the team.
“We feel we turned a corner a little bit and I’ve loved getting a bit of game time. Hopefully that will continue after the break.”
