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Sky Sports Scout reports on young Hull City goalkeeper Rory Watson

Sky Sports Scout is our exciting feature where we scour the globe looking out for the best talent and bring you a report on what we find.

Our Scout - using all the tools at his disposal - will report back and you can comment on what you think of their appraisal.

You can only nominate a player by emailing here, including the word 'Scout' in your subject line, and please check to make sure we have not already covered the player.

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Scout Facts

NAME: Rory Watson
AGE: 18 (5th February, 1996)
BORN: Hull, England
POSITION: Goalkeeper
CLUB: Hull City
FACTS:Saved eight consecutive penalties

Sky Sports Scout Ratings:

0-10 - No hoper
11-20 - Should look elsewhere
21-30 - Might not make it
31-40 - Has work to do
41-50 - Keep an eye on him
51-60 - Great prospect
61-70 - On his way to the top
71-80 - Already World-class

The latest player to be spotlighted is exciting goalkeeper Rory Watson.

The scout reports...

After impressing in Hull City's development side, we take a close look at agile young goalkeeper Rory Watson.

The 18-year-old is highly regarded in East Yorkshire with his talents brought to the fore sooner than expected, whilst grabbing the headlines for an altogether different reason.

While travelling to Newcastle with the first team earlier in the season, Watson became an overnight internet sensation while singing in an initiation ritual at the club, with first-teamers astonished by his vocal ability.

Injuries to first-team ‘keepers Allan McGregor and Steve Harper have led to Watson being called up to the first-team squad as deputy for Bosnian stopper Eldin Jakupovic, with Watson on the bench at Anfield in Hull’s weekend draw.

The talented teenager has excelled for the Tigers' development squad this season and grabbed the Man of the Match award in Hull Under-21s' Premier League cup win at Sheffield Wednesday last Monday.

Watson’s most astonishing stat is that he has saved the last eight penalties that he has faced, including a late spot-kick in that victory over Wednesday.

Sharp reflexes and agility is what has separated Watson from other candidates, with Joe Cracknell, two years Watson’s senior, being overlooked.

Watson comes highly recommended. Hull goalkeeper coach Gary Walsh and reserve-team boss Tony Pennock have both alerted Steve Bruce to the burgeoning talents of the youngster.

Spectacular saves is what has put Watson ahead in the pecking order, and with the Tigers' injury worries persisting, the young ‘keeper looks set to keep his place for Hull’s clash with Southampton at the weekend.

The scout says...

Watson is far from the finished article as yet, but should he maintain his recent progress and keep his physical condition as impressive as it is currently, he could go all the way to play at the highest level for club and country in the future.

The Scout rating...

Handling: 7 out of 10
Kicking: 6 out of 10
Agility: 8 out of 10
Judgement: 7 out of 10
Shot-stopping:  8 out of 10
Current ability: 6 out of 10
Potential ability: 9 out of 10
OVERALL SCOUT RATING: 51/70
Current value: £200,000
Potential value: £5million

Your opinion...

You have read our opinion of Rory Watson - now we want your views. Have you seen Watson in action? Do you agree with our assessment? Do you think he will make it?

Get in touch, either using the form below, email or the scout's Twitter feed - @skysportsscout.

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