Watson's playing the long haul game Pand

McInnes: David's signed three contracts since I arrived but this is the first deal that's tied him to us for an extended stay

- MICHAEL BAILLIE

DEREK MCINNES is delighted to secure David Watson on a long-term deal at Kilmarnock.

The 18-year-old academy graduate has penned a contract extension until 2026.

The midfielder made his Premiership debut in March and has established himself as a key player in McInnes' Killie side.

The manager knows his rising star will still be on the radar of clubs due to him breaking into Killie's first team at such a young age.

But McInnes wants to keep Watson at Rugby Park for as long as possible and is thrilled he has committed his future to the club.

The Killie boss said: "Everybody does their work and anyone playing in a first team at that age is on the radar of clubs.

"With only 18 months to go on his contract previously there is an element of risk with that and you see bigger clubs than us in Scotland struggling to hold on to their young players.

"We're just trying to keep him here for as long as we can and stay in charge of that a wee bit.