Watson says he rediscovered love of game at Staggies

Ross County defender Keith Watson has credited the Staggies with rekindling his love of football as he prepares to make his return to the top flight.

Watson was part of County’s side which lifted the Championship title as part of a league and cup double, which also saw the Dingwall outfit lift the Irn-Bru Cup.

It capped a memorable first campaign at Victoria Park for Watson, which followed an injury-ravaged two year spell at St Johnstone during which he spent time on loan with English side Hartlepool United.

Former Dundee United defender Watson says last term helped him consign his frustrations to the past.

He said: “I was unsure about moving up here at the time, with moving away.

“At the start I was planning on coming up here without the missus, but she did eventually move up.

“I played loads of games and won two trophies, so I probably fell in love with football again.

“Last season was one of my favourites I have had.

“It was a difficult time at St Johnstone, where I had an injury here or there and wasn’t really in the team,” he said.

“At times I have taken a step down to the Championship during my career, but the topflight is where I want to be playing.”

Watson feels the winning mentality instilled by co-managers Steven Ferguson and Stuart Kettlewell can help the Staggies in their bid to survive in their first season back in the Premiership.

The 29-year-old said: “We just know how to win games, and it has continued so far in the Betfred Cup.

“Winning games is probably the hardest thing to do, and we got into a habit of doing it last season.

“Even when we were not playing that great, we were still managing to pick up wins.

“That’s the difference, and that’s why we won the league – when playing poor we could still get the three points.”

County begin their campaign at home to Hamilton Accies on Saturday.

Picture: SNS. Keith Watson is enjoying his time in Dingwall.