Caley Thistle midfielder Marley Watkins is ready to fill the void left by attacker Billy Mckay after scoring in his side’s 1-1 Highland derby draw against Ross County on Saturday.
Watkins was deployed up front in the first game following leading-scorer Mckay’s £150,000 move to Wigan Athletic, and netted a superb 20-yard opener, with Jake Jervis securing a point for the visitors late in the game.
The transfer window closes tonight but Watkins is keen to step forward and make the position his own following his seventh goal of the season.
Watkins said: “Billy scored nearly 50 goals in two seasons, so it’s a big thing to take over. But I believe in myself and I’m going to do it.
“Usually I’m out wide, but I’ve filled in before. I’ve done well in attack with Billy.
“I’ll play wherever the manager wants to. I’m still getting used to the position, but I’ve played there before and scored goals. I’m very capable, and happy with the goal.
“It was hard to read where the ball was going, it was quite scrappy but I’ve a lot more to come up front.
“I scored a good goal, but conditions were bad. It was quite hard out there. I thought we competed well, but the pitch and the conditions suited Ross County more. We were unfortunate the pitch was so bad.”
Watkins appeared to be tripped by County goalkeeper Antonio Reguero in the dying minutes, with the 24-year-old convinced he should have had a penalty which could have secured all three points if converted.
Watkins added: “The goalkeeper caught me and it ruined my stride. I regret being too honest, because I thought I was going to get there but I couldn’t keep my balance. It was a stonewall penalty, so I don’t know why the referee did not give it.”
Watkins is out of contract at the end of the season but was not keen to discuss his future, adding: “I’m just focused on this season, because we’ve got the opportunity to make history. We’re having a good season and we’ve just got to stay in the zone.”