Caley Thistle attacker Marley Watkins has welcomed the fresh competition he faces from new signings Edward Ofere and Tarmo Kink.
Former Nigerian international Ofere made an instant impact on his debut when he scored in the club’s 2-1 defeat at Motherwell last week, while Estonian international Kink completed his move this week and was due to feature in the squad for yesterday William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final against Raith Rovers, postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Watkins, originally a midfielder, has been used in attack following the departure of Billy Mckay and he insists he will not give up his new role without a fight.
He said: “It was a good start for Edward – I’m happy for him. He’s more of a target man and that’s what the manager felt we needed.
“Tarmo has also come in and, while I haven’t seen a lot of him yet, he has good feet and has scored some good goals in training.
“I’m enjoying playing up front, so I do want to fight for that position. I’m getting chances and getting into good areas, so if I’d have taken more of them I’d be getting raved about up there.
“But I feel it’s only a matter of time until they start going in on a regular basis. I’m still adjusting to the role. I’ve had a few one-on-ones which, playing on the wing, I’m not so used to.
“You also have to learn not to worry when you miss and just dust yourself down for the next chance. So, it is a case of ‘bring it on’, really, in terms of competition. I just want to do a job for the team and my new job is to get goals.”
Watkins is expected to return to the starting 11 at Caledonian Stadium on Tuesday night for the re-arranged cup tie as his club chases a place in the semi-final, but Watkins was impressed by Raith’s display in knocking out Rangers in the last round and knows his players cannot take their Championship opponents lightly.
He said: “We know they are a quality side. They beat Rangers and we’ve just got to be up for it. The pressure is on us in this game because we’re expected to win. We’re third in the Premiership and they are mid-table in the Championship.
“They have nothing to lose and we know they’re an excellent side.
“We have to make sure we don’t get complacent. We’re going to be right up for it and treat it like we’re playing Celtic. We’ve got to make sure we do the job.”
Watkins has added incentive to do well as potential suitors court his services.
The 24-year-old is out of contract in the summer, but he is in no rush to decide his future.
He said: “I’m just focusing on playing my football and I’ll think about it at the end of the season. I enjoy it here, so we’ll see what happens.”