Kilmarnock TV commentator Andrew Milligan has hailed Celtic-linked midfielder David Watson as one of the brightest young talents in Scotland, describing him as tireless, mature and destined for the top.
Reports earlier this week linked Celtic with a January swoop for Kilmarnock’s David Watson, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
Now Killie TV commentator Andrew Milligan has lifted the lid on what Hoops fans can expect if the 20-year-old midfielder swaps Rugby Park for Celtic Park.
Speaking exclusively to CeltsAreHere, Milligan said Watson has been a standout performer ever since breaking into the Kilmarnock first team as a teenager. He believes Celtic would be landing a player with rare maturity, a relentless engine and the mentality to thrive at the highest level.
“David Watson is a brilliant young player and a player that Kilmarnock fans have always held in high regard,” Milligan said. “Every week, regardless of performance or result, he’s always one that tends to get a pass mark. He always gives over 100 percent, chases every loose ball and presses the opposition constantly.”
“It just seems like he has bundles of energy. Even in extra time he’s still sprinting around chasing loose balls. Some fans have said he can be a bit of a headless chicken at times, but that’s only because of how hard he works. He just never stops.”
Milligan also praised Watson’s all-round game, saying there is much more to him than just energy.
“In terms of on the ball, he’s a great passer and dribbler, and actually surprisingly strong. You look at him and think he could be brushed off the ball easily, but he’s got real strength about him. He leaps really well too, he’s won headers against players twice his size! He’s got an incredible spring.”
“There’s still parts of his game that can improve. He’s not the finished product, but I honestly think the sky’s the limit for him. I don’t think he has a ceiling. He’s incredibly motivated and wants to be as successful as he can be.”
Watson has already made more than 100 senior appearances for Kilmarnock and is captain of Scotland’s Under-21s. His journey began during the 2022-23 season when he broke into the team as a teenager in the middle of a relegation battle. His emergence provided the spark that helped Kilmarnock survive.
“He broke into the team at the end of the 2022-23 season when we were fighting to avoid the playoffs. He brought fresh energy and really helped us stay up. The next season, fans were desperate for him to start and thankfully he did.”
“That year he really kicked on. Ironically the key moment that sparked his Kilmarnock career came away at Celtic Park. We lost 3-1 that day but he scored and from that point on he started to find his scoring touch. He scored away to Aberdeen, at home to St Johnstone, and again away to Celtic in February with a last-minute equaliser. That goal was probably his best moment in a Killie shirt. The scenes were unbelievable.”
Watson’s ability to pop up with crucial goals quickly made him a fan favourite. One goal in particular still stands out to Milligan as a sign of his growing quality.
“There was a game against St Mirren where he picked the ball up in midfield, took on three or four players and slotted it past the keeper. That was probably his best goal for the club. He doesn’t score bad goals either. Every one seems to be special.”
Despite his consistency, Watson endured a frustrating period last season when he was used sparingly by Derek McInnes. Supporters were vocal about wanting him to play more, and Milligan says they have been vindicated this year.
“Last season he didn’t start as much and it really frustrated fans because everyone could see we were a better team with him on the park. Thankfully this season that’s changed again. He’s started every league game and even when the team hasn’t been great, he’s still one of the few players who gets pass marks.”
What separates Watson from other young Scottish midfielders, according to Milligan, is his experience and leadership.
“To have over 100 senior appearances at his age is incredible,” he said. “He’s also the Scotland Under-21 captain now, so he’s got that international experience as well. He’s had comparisons with Lennon Miller because they came through at the same time, and you look at Miller now playing in Italy. I don’t see any reason why David Watson can’t reach that level too.”
“He beat Miller to the Young Player of the Year award a few seasons ago. He’s just as talented and even more experienced. He’s playing every week in the Premiership, and that’s rare for a player his age.”
Milligan also pointed to Watson’s growing output in the final third as evidence of how he’s improving each season.
“He’s really worked on adding goals and assists,” he explained. “When he first broke through, he didn’t have any. Then the next season he got five goals and two assists. Last year he got three goals and one assist. This season already he’s got three goals and an assist and we’re not even at the halfway point.”
“He’s a player who wants to get better. He doesn’t get distracted by outside stuff. He’s focused, mature and determined to be the best footballer he can be. You wouldn’t think he’s only 20 when you watch him. That’s how composed and experienced he looks.”
With Celtic’s interest emerging just weeks before the January window, fans are wondering if a move could happen sooner rather than later. Milligan says he would not be shocked to see it.
“No, it doesn’t surprise me at all,” he said. “It’s always felt inevitable that he’d move on one day. Clubs have been sniffing around for a while, but with his contract up soon, it feels even more likely now. Celtic being linked isn’t a surprise. If anything, I’m surprised we’ve kept him this long.”
“After we got European football I expected him to be snapped up. The fact he’s still here is brilliant for us, but everyone knows how good he is. He deserves that level of interest.”
Milligan believes Watson could handle the jump to Celtic without being overawed by the scale of the club.
“He could handle it, absolutely. Of course there’s more pressure and expectation, but he knows the league inside out. He’s been playing against these players for years and performing well. He grew up knowing what Celtic is all about, so I think he’d adapt quickly.”
Losing Watson would be a huge blow for Kilmarnock, but Milligan says fans would understand and still hold him in high regard.
“It would be an absolutely huge loss both on and off the pitch. He’s a consistent performer and does whatever the manager asks, whether that’s attacking midfield, holding midfield or even filling in at fullback. He’s a fan favourite, one of the most loved players at the club.”
“He’s the kind of player any fanbase would take to because he plays for the shirt. Everyone knows Kilmarnock is a selling club and that young talents eventually move on. I think fans have accepted that reality, but it doesn’t make it any easier.”
Kilmarnock still hope to tie him down to a new deal, but Milligan admits it looks less likely as each week passes.
“There’s still hope, but it feels like that hope is dwindling. Fans have been calling for him to get a new deal for a long time, but it hasn’t happened. The club say there’s been an offer on the table, but it’s not been signed. I’d love him to sign one even just to secure the club some money, but it looks unlikely now.”
“If I had to bet, I’d say he’ll either be snapped up in January or leave on a free in the summer. It would be a huge loss, but he’ll always be a fan favourite at Kilmarnock unless he’s playing against us.”
Watson could be some smart business for Celtic. He is young, Scottish, experienced and available for a minimal fee due to his contract situation. He also ticks the UEFA homegrown quota box, which is becoming increasingly important as the club builds its European squad for next season.
And with Reo Hatate often linked with moves abroad and Paulo Bernardo still searching for consistent minutes, it would not be a surprise if the Hoops are already preparing for potential midfield changes.
Whatever happens next, David Watson is destined for bigger things.
“He’s got no limit,” Milligan said. “The sky’s the limit for him. If he keeps improving the way he has, he can go right to the top.”
