David Watson keen to kick-start Kilmarnock’s season against Dundee United

Kilmarnock midfielder David Watson is determined to kick-start their season against Dundee United after a long wait to play at Rugby Park.

Killie host United four weeks after their last home game against Hibernian ended in a 1-1 draw.

The Ayrshire side have only won once in 12 matches this season, away at Tromso, but they have drawn their last three games, including a 2-2 stalemate when down to 10 men against St Mirren.

Watson said: “It’s exciting to be back at Rugby Park. We are looking to kick on. Dundee United are doing well but we have seen in the last few seasons Rugby Park has been like a fortress for us, we don’t lose many games here. That’s what we want to try and create again.

“We have not performed badly, we have been down to 10 men quite a lot and that’s been unfortunate. But I think the fans can see the effort and dedication we put in every week and we appreciate them for supporting us. We need to try and get a win and get our season going.”

Watson won young player of the year awards from both his fellow professionals and the Scottish Football Writers’ Association last season and he is looking to build on that form.

The 19-year-old netted five goals last season and is looking to surpass that tally, with one to his name so far.

“Nobody has really put any pressure on me. I’m going to try and do what I did last season, keep working away and aim to be as good as I was last season, if not better,” he said.

“I set a few targets within myself for example to score a few more goals than last season.

“I want to be a better player and better team player than last season because I feel we can get Europe again this season.

“We have not started off so well but we are a good team and I feel we are resilient enough to move up the table again.

“Europe was a busy period but now that’s out the way we can really focus on the league and get going.”