Opinion: Celtic should be tracking Kilmarnock’s David Watson

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The Celtic Star

·12 January 2024

Opinion: Celtic should be tracking Kilmarnock’s David Watson

Celtic should be tracking the outstanding David Watson at Kilmarnock. The Scotland U19 has been excellent since being introduced to the first team by Derek McInnes and his performances have impressed.

The 18-year-old has established himself as a key figure in the Rugby Park midfield under McInnes, making 26 appearances and scoring three goals as well as assisting twice. It is important to mention a stunner at Pittodrie that Watson scored.

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Celtic v Kilmarnock – Reo Hatate and Kilmarnocks David Watson battle for the ball during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park on Saturday October 7, 2023. Photo Jane Barlow

The central midfielder, who can also play further forward, has been under the tutelage of McInnes, who Brendan Rodgers trusts to train and improve young players. In a similar way to Ryan Christie, Celtic could swoop and offer a deal to take Watson on a deal that would see him loaned back to Killie; however, it is imperative that the club are looking at the player.

McInnes’ team sit in fourth and a big part of that has been Watson’s energy and dig in the midfield. At just a young age, Watson has a high ceiling in the game.

Previously, Lennon Miller at Motherwell has been suggested as a potential Celtic signing in due course given his incredible burst onto the Scottish football scene. The Motherwell starlet was a standout at Fir Park before the 17-year-old picked up an injury.

It must be at the fore of Celtic’s business model that they scout, scope and sign the best young players in Scotland, improve them and integrate them into the first team. Whilst this is the case, the club must look at best realising this potential and progressing with the club where they had their breakthrough.

Rodgers has spoken about wanting quality in the team and Watson doesn’t represent a first team ready option just now. Although, he is a project that has been exceptional so far this season for Killie.