Goalkeeper Rory Watson is looking forward to taking his chance when the Iron face Leicester City Under-21s in the second round of the Checkatrade Trophy.
The 21-year-old played in all three of the group stage games and thinks he has performed well.
Ahead of the match at Glanford Park, Watson previewed the encounter, reflected on his previous game time in the competition and praised first team goalkeeper Matt Gilks.
ON THE CHECKATRADE TROPHY GAME AGAINST LEICESTER CITY UNDER-21s…
RW: I have to take my chance when I get it and hopefully we can go through to the next round. I think they’re unbeaten in 12 games. They will be a good side. Having played in that league before, I know they will be decent. We will have to play, do well and assert our authority on the game.
ON HIS PREVIOUS GAMES IN THE COMPETITION…
RW: I think I’ve done alright. All of the lads have made a good account of themselves. I’ve done well and hopefully I’ve been pushing Matt Gilks a bit. Obviously, he has been unbelievable this year, so I can’t really do much at this time. I just need to keep doing well and keep pushing.
"Having played in that league before, I know they will be decent. We will have to play, do well and assert our authority on the game."
ON POTENTIALLY GETTING HIS FIRST CLEAN SHEET FOR THE IRON…
RW: That would be lovely, but it’s not all about me. A clean sheet would be nice and a good solid win would be good. Getting the win is the most important thing.
ON PLAYING AGAINST UNDER-21 SIDES…
RW: You don’t really know a lot about them. Having played Under-21 football against teams, they like to get it down and pass the ball. They’re normally not very direct and like to play out from the back. We will have to see what happens because you do not know who they will play.
ON POSSIBLY LINING UP AGAINST ELDIN JAKUPOVIC IN THE OPPOSITE GOAL…
RW: I know Eldin from my time at Hull. He is a good ‘keeper and we will have to see if he plays. We just want as many experienced players to be playing against us because it’s good for our development and makes it a better game.
ON PLAYING IN CUP COMPETITIONS…
RW: It’s massively important, especially for me. If Gilks gets injured on a Saturday, and I haven’t played since the start of the season, then it’s difficult to come in and do well. Having these games gives me a little bit of game time. It’s the same with the other younger lads as well. It helps them come through when they are needed in the first team.
ON LEARNING FROM MATT GILKS…
RW: Gilks is very lively and good to learn off. He’s a brilliant goalkeeper and I couldn’t really have learnt off a better person this year. I’ve just got to keep pushing him and keep doing well.
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