Now that’s a Cruyff turn up for the books
Young POTY Watson has Ajax in mind as Killie dig out the passports
DAVID WATSON is eyeing a dream date with Ajax in the Europa League.
And the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year is adamant he wants to stay at Kilmarnock for as long as he can despite scouts circling.
The 19-year-old has been a revelation since bursting on to the scene under boss Derek McInnes and his all-action approach has made him a stand-out performer.
Watson is adding big goals to his repertoire and the midfielder has a contract in place until 2026.
Killie have guaranteed Europe by securing a top-five finish but fourth place would mean a spot in the Europa League second qualifying round and a potential date with big guns Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Watson said: “It’s amazing. It’s the biggest stage on the planet to play European football in front of fans.
“It’s really exciting for the club. It would be amazing to go away to Ajax or Braga. It would be such a dream for us.
“It’s so good for the club, an amazing prospect and I’m sure everyone is excited. For Kilmarnock, the only way is up. We’re having such a good season but I’m sure next term we’ll be ready again.
“I need to see where my career takes me. I’d love to stay at Killie for as long as I can.
“It’s the best job in the world and a dream to play for your local club. It’s an amazing honour. I’ve never had an opportunity to go. I’m
just happy doing what I’m doing just now.
“For any young player, the main thing is playing men’s football as much as you can.
“Even if it is going out on loan, it’s all about playing men’s football. That’s how you get used to the physicality and up to speed with the game.
“There is an amazing group and a good balance between younger boys and older ones.
“You have the likes of Kyle Vassell and Rory McKenzie, experienced players who know the league. They are massive for me.
“Rory has had such an amazing career. He went down to the Championship but came back up and is playing Premiership football.
“He’s amazing for me, a great mentor.”
While other youngsters headed for bigger clubs to start out in their bid to make it, Watson came through the academy at Killie.
He said: “It has been about working hard, staying back after training, doing a wee bit extra with the coaching staff.
“One of the reasons I’ve won this award is the goals I have added to my game. That’s because the gaffer and staff get me to do shooting and finishing.
“It’s just such an honour to be noticed by other players in the league. There are so many good players.
“For them to notice the season I’ve had and vote for me is such a special achievement.”
Saturday’s trip to face St Mirren offers an opportunity to seal fourth place and a big Killie support is travelling as they prepare to head for Paisley to back their boys.
Watson said: “It is a massive game. We’re going into it with every confidence.
“We just need to dust ourselves off after the Rangers game on Sunday. “It’s always hard going to Ibrox. I thought we were doing well up until the [Joe Wright] sending-off and that killed us a bit.
“With eight minutes added on at the end of the first half, it was a bit excessive.”