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Watson gives the case for Ross County defence


By Alasdair Fraser

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KEITH Watson is confident Ross County can build on Saturday’s powerful defensive showing against Hibs – and is determined to play his part.

Keith Watson.
Keith Watson.

A Staggies’ defence harshly criticised at times, this season and last, stood strong in defiance of one of the current most dynamic attacks in Scotland’s Premiership.

With Watson wedged between Coll Donaldson and Alex Iacovitti in an effective back three, County rode their luck on a couple of occasions but seemed to make their own good fortune through grit and organisation.

The 30-year-old former Dundee United and St Johnstone defender admits the point grasped was a boost to the team, and to him personally after waiting patiently for only his fourth start of the campaign.

Ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Motherwell at Fir Park, Watson said: “That draw against Hibs gives us a lot of confidence.

“In the first 15-20 minutes of the game, Hibs came flying out the traps and we did well to weather the storm.

“After that, I felt we had some good spells in the game ourselves. We are looking forward to taking those aspects into the Motherwell game at a ground where it’s always tough. They had such a good season last year.

“They had a slow start to this season, but they have started picking up results.

“It has been a decent start for us, although I think it could have been a little better.

“But we are happy with our league position at the minute and just looking to build on that and get more points in the next quarter.

“I have found myself in and out of the team. I have been coming on in the second or first half of some games, due to injuries.

“It has been an up and down start for myself, but I’m happy just to help the team in any way possible.

“When I get my chance I just need to give it my all and try to make sure I stay there.

“As a defender it’s always nice to keep clean sheets and hopefully Saturday put a little reminder in the manager’s head that I can come in and do a job for the team.”

Having faced the top four in their last five league outings, County enter a spell of league matches against theoretically easier opposition through to the end of November.

The sequence starts with tomorrow’s test at Fir Park, with Watson hoping for a repeat of August’s opening day victory at Victoria Park.

“The boys were excellent in the first game of the season, but I think they have picked up since then,” he said. “We have had a decent record over the years down there so it’s one we are looking forward to. We are confident going into Saturday.”


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