Last weekend, Keith Watson sat out Raith Rovers’ latest victory.
That came in the third round of the SPFL Trust Trophy against Cliftonville, setting up a fourth-round tie at home to Montrose next month.
Watson’s absence, due to a tight hamstring, from Saturday’s 3-0 win allowed 18-year-old Adam Masson to deputise.
Masson is a confident sort, in the best possible way, and has backed it up so far – making the most of his irregular minutes.
He has started off this season on the same trajectory as last, marking his first minutes with a goal.
🌟 Adam Masson.
A first Rovers goal in just his second start at Stark’s Park.
👏 What a performance from 18-year-old Adam yesterday. pic.twitter.com/WlxYtVnvpQ
— Raith Rovers Football Club (@RaithRovers) September 10, 2023
“Adam has been great,” said Watson, “he was really good at the weekend and it was good to see him get his goal, it meant a lot to him
Keith Watson praises Raith Rovers team-mates’ work ethic
“He’s a good boy about the place, he’s got a smile on his face. He works hard every day, always doing extra.
Future Stars x Retro Shirts
Sporting some serious nostalgia here. 🤩
🤔 What’s your favourite ever Rovers kit? pic.twitter.com/gSuJb2ltTk
— Raith Rovers Football Club (@RaithRovers) September 14, 2023
“I played with him in the pre-season games. For a young lad, his communication is good, he can read the game well.
“I see him every day in training, he’s got a good chance and if he keeps working hard and sticking in, he’s got the potential to go on and have a good career.”
Raith Rovers duo forming strong defensive partnership
Bouncing back from being subbed off in the first half of the Trust Trophy semi-final to put in a solid performance at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup, was amongst Masson’s highlights last season.
Now he is learning from experienced pros like Watson and Euan Murray.
“Euan is a big, strong defender like myself,” added Watson. “He just loves defending. As a two, I think we’ll get better the more we play together.
“He kind of got thrown in against Partick, that was his first game. He did well and that was the first time I’d played with him.”
Keith Watson warns against complacency
Watson is available for selection against struggling Inverness this weekend after returning to full training this week.
But he has warned against reading too much into the Highlanders’ current predicament.
“I don’t think we can look at the table too much, you never get an easy game against Inverness,” he said.
“We need to be on our toes and ready for the battle, make sure everyone is at it.
“We just want to continue this run. Continue winning games, picking up points and stay up high in the table. We know it’s going to be difficult.”
