Kieran Watson makes Penicuik Athletic title goal his priority before stepping up two levels

The 22-year-old midfielder was snapped up on a pre-contract agreement with the League Two outfit and will link up with the Citizens alongside Cuikie team-mate Nicky Reid in the summer. He has unfinished business to contend with first of all.

“Stevie [McLeish, Penicuik manager] told me that Gary Naysmith had been on the phone to ask if I was interested in going to training with them,” said former Hearts and Hibs youngster Watson.

“I had only recently signed a new contract, and I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I felt I wanted to get out of East of Scotland and maybe challenge myself a bit more because I have been here a few years.

“Stevie has always said to me he wouldn’t stop me going to a higher level. He was really nice about. He pushed it forward and said he wanted me to do well.

“I started training with them and was then offered a contract. To me it was a no brainer, I would never usually sign anywhere for two years, but the club has good aspirations and it will be a good challenge for me stepping up two leagues. I’ve had a really good season and I feel I deserve the chance to go and prove myself.

“I’m excited about it, but I’m still a Penicuik player and I’ve not even thought about next season. I’ve made some good pals here and the best way to leave would be by winning the league and a trophy.”

Penicuik are locked in a three-way title battle with Tranent and Linlithgow Rose, with five of their final six matches at home. Watson feels they are in a good place ahead of hosting Dundonald Bluebell tomorrow.

He added: “We’ve had quite a few players injured but we are all back together now, Tuesday night was the first time in a while we’ve had a full squad, there was two or three players who never got stripped.

“We’ve got