Watson wants Ross County to top Betfred Cup group
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Keith Watson is targeting top spot in Ross County's Betfred Cup group stage.
The Staggies got their campaign off to a winning start with a 4-1 victory over Montrose at the Global Energy Stadium yesterday.
Goals from Josh Mullin and Billy Mckay, as well as a Ross Stewart double, were enough to see off the League One outfit.
County will face Brechin City on Tuesday evening in their next match, with St Johnstone and Arbroath further down the line.
But Watson believes they can top the lot, with the team's confidence boosted that little bit further with yesterday's result.
"We want to go and win the group," he insisted.
"It's a difficult one with difficult games, but we fancy our chances against most teams if we're on our game.
"We've started with a positive at home. Our home form was great last year, and we've started off well.
"We want to get through the group, and it's a great start to do that."
Montrose marked a return to competitive action for 29-year-old Watson, who had a longer break than most after missing the tail end of last season through injury.
With fellow defenders Liam Fontaine and Callum Morris also returning to fitness after injury disruption, there is a lot of competition for starting places.
Watson insists that can only be a good thing, with the quality in the County squad meaning they are capable of winning whatever starting 11 is picked.
"We've got a great squad here, the competition for places is massive," Watson said.
"When you get your chance you want to make sure you do well because there's always somebody waiting to take your place.
"It's a good problem to have, and I'm sure the gaffers will want to freshen it up on Tuesday – boys are wanting minutes as well.
"We'll make a few changes, and I'm sure the boys that come in will be more than capable of getting the win."
The Staggies have by and large kept the same squad that won the Scottish Championship and Irn-Bru Cup titles a few months ago.
However one position where it has been all change is behind Watson in goal.
Scott Fox left the club to sign for his old club, Partick Thistle, while Ross Munro signed for Raith Rovers on loan.
Those moves meant that Ross Laidlaw, a new arrival from Hibernian, was the man between the sticks yesterday, and Watson praised the new man between the sticks.
He added: "Ross has come in and you can see that he's a presence in there.
"He's coming and collecting corners, that's great. As a defender, that's what you want from your goalkeeper.
"He made a few good saves yesterday as well, so the team is shaping up well and we're looking forward to the next few games.
"It's obviously a bit different, because we're used to having Foxy in there, but Ross has come in and fitted in well. He's a big guy, and he commands his box. It's great to see as a defender."
