Mikey Watson: Big achievement for me

Young Reds goalkeeper Mikey Watson says his appearance at Morecambe on Tuesday was a ‘big achievement’ for him.

Watson, who is part of the Development Team, has been training with the senior squad throughout this summer and even played the full 90 minutes against Whitehaven last week.

However, he earned a new milestone with a late cameo in our 1-0 loss at the Mazuma Stadium three days ago.

Speaking at a torrentially wet training session last night, Carlisle lad Watson spoke about the midweek feat, learning from Jim Atkinson and his targets.

“It was a big achievement for me,” he said.

“Obviously, Morecambe are a League Two team so I’m delighted to have been involved such a high-quality game.”

Having been able to train with the first-team, Watson also took stock of what he’s already gained, saying: “It’s been good to keep my fitness levels up, as well as training with such a great group.

“It brings my game up so it’s a big advantage for me.”

Atkinson is the firm number one at Borough Park and is full of knowledge between the sticks.

In addition, though, he knows Watson well, something which the 20-year-old touched on.

“Jim’s played at a very high level,” he explained.

“He’s already been at Queen of the South, where I’ve been.

“Learning from him every week improves my game a lot.”

Finally, as the new season dawns, Watson has his ambitions set out for what could be his breakthrough year as a first-team stopper.

“My aim is to, hopefully, play a few games for the first team,” he revealed.

“Also, I’d like to play 90 minutes for the Development Team and do as best as I can.”

Watson is expected to be involved against Cleator Moor Celtic and Lancaster City next week, to be played on Tuesday and Saturday respectively.