Dundee United defender Keith Watson may be a quiet, unassuming young player but even he admits he is improving as each game goes by.
“They were sharp and first to every ball so the same boys who did well against Hearts the other night will have to lift their game again.
“Then we can maybe think about having a wee break from the rigours of a lot of games in very few days.
“Our boys know what’s at stake and realise they will have to work very hard against an Inverness team that has done really well this season. They have good players like Jonny Hayes and Richie Foran but I could say that about a number of them.
“I think as a unit they have done exceptionally well, as a lot of people may have thought they would go straight back down to the first division. But big Terry Butcher and Maurice Malpas are good coaches and they certainly get the best out of their lads.
“However, it is vitally important that we take something out of the game.”
Inverness name an unchanged squad.
The 21-year-old right-back produced a dynamic display as the Tangerines beat Hearts in midweek, making saving tackles as well as rampaging up the wing.
Double goalscorer Johnny Russell was presented with the man-of-the-match champagne, but Watson was as good as anyone that night.
Manager Peter Houston may have Mihael Kovacevic ready to return from injury and even the option of putting Sean Dillon back in that position, but the youngster will be difficult to dislodge.
Without a hint of immodesty, Watson agreed that his performance level is on the up and up. He said, “I seem to be getting better with every game.
“I feel as if I am getting fitter and stronger as the season goes on and making progress.”
“I think I have come on a lot since the start of the season and I am really enjoying learning and being part of the first-team set-up. I feel there is a lot more to come from me as I am getting more confident with each game that passes.”
Being in a winning side helps, of course, and the Tangerines have now recorded four successive victories in the SPL to move themselves up to fourth. Should results go their way today, they will secure their top-six status.
Watson said, “We are on a great run just now. Early on in the season it looked like we were struggling to make the top six but we have hit form at the right time and have pushed our way up the league.
“We are all working for each other and have stuck together throughout this busy schedule. There is not a lot of our normal training getting done, instead we are going to the gym the day after games and doing things like spin classes and going on the bikes.
“That has been a good way to relax before preparing again as the next match gets closer.”
“Every player loves playing games and you would rather do that than train but this has been pretty hectic.
“Now we have a big game against Inverness because if results go our way then that’s us in the top six, which would be a good achievement.”
One thing on Watson’s wishlist is a goal, having failed to hit the back of the net this season despite being the provider for others.
He said, “I love getting forward and that is my favourite thing about being a full-back. I keep getting told to get back by the others but you never know and I am dying to get a wee goal.”Houston’s viewWatson’s boss has fitness concerns over star striker David Goodwillie and Dillon for the game, however his options have been boosted by the return from long-term injury of another key player.
Houston said, “There are doubts over Goodie, who has a hamstring problem, as well as Sean, with thigh trouble.
“Craig Conway is getting better but I will not play him just yet and Prince Buaben is suspended. However, Scott Severin has been added to the squad for what will be a tough game.”
He added, “Inverness will see it as their last opportunity to stop us as if we win tomorrow, we will definitely finish in the top six.
“However, we never have an easy game against Inverness and they usually come to play with a bit of freedom they certainly did the last time at Tannadice when they beat us 4-0.