Dundee United star Keith Watson dreams of move down south

He has watched a string of former team-mates win dream moves away from Dundee United.

And Keith Watson admits that every time he sees Andy Robertson playing for Hull City in the Premier League, he imagines winning his own transfer south.

Watson has made the Tannadice right-back berth his own over the last five years, despite flying under the radar in terms of plaudits.

While other United youth products like David Goodwillie, Johnny Russell and Ryan Gauld have been hyped up and sold for big money, Watson has gone about his business quietly.

Nevertheless, his performances in tangerine have been consistently impressive, to the extent that he can legitimately be considered amongst the best full-backs in the Scottish Premiership.

With his contract set to end in the summer, Watson is still waiting for United to initiate talks on a new deal.

And he admits that when he sees what ex-defensive team-mate Robertson has achieved since leaving Tannadice in the summer, he can’t help but picture himself doing the same thing.

He said: “Andy’s been playing every week for Hull and he’s been outstanding. That’s good to watch, knowing he was playing part-time football not too long ago and now he’s in the Premier League.

“It’s a great story. You kind of look at that and think: ‘Imagine…’

“I didn’t think Andy would be playing every week, to be honest, but he’s gone down, got his chance and he’s taken it. I think he even got Player of the Month from Hull. That’s absolutely amazing for him.

“But it’s deserved. He works hard and he’s a great lad. I’m delighted for him.”

Robertson’s departure, along with that of Ryan Gauld to Sporting Lisbon, prompted predictions of a tough season for United.

On the contrary, Jackie McNamara’s side spent last week at the top of the Premiership, and won back-to-back derbies against Dundee.

And Watson believes that far from being weakened by losing two of their biggest stars, the Tangerines are perfectly placed to better last season’s achievements.

“Some people said we’d have it tough this season, but it hasn’t quite gone like that,” he admitted. “We know how to win ugly now, and that’s a good thing to have.

“The new defence has been solid, especially the two in the middle. Everything that comes their way gets gobbled up, and they’ve settled in well.

“When Conor was at left back early in the season, I thought he did really well, but Dillo has come in and done what he does. He can play anywhere across the back four.

“We’ve players to come back too. We’ve definitely got a strong squad here and it looks really promising for the rest of the season.”