MARLEY WATKINS is ready to fight tooth and nail to keep the Inverness Caledonian Thistle striker's jersey - despite the recruitment of two international-class frontmen.

The flying Welsh winger converted to the new role when Billy Mckay left for Wigan and has hit eight goals so far this season, stirring transfer interest on both sides of the border. But the reputed Hearts target is loving life at the cutting edge of Caley Thistle's Scottish Cup and European qualification-chasing team.

Edward Ofere, the three-times capped Nigerian, and Tarmo Kink, the 81-times capped Estonian, have upped the ante for the 24-year-old former Swansea and Hereford wide man. But while he welcomes the arrival of talented competition, Watkins is determined to dig in his heels and stay at the sharp end.

He said: "It was a very good start for Edward Ofere, with the goal at Motherwell - I'm happy for him. It was a good finish and, fair play to him, as he hasn't been here long.

"He's more of a target man and that's what the gaffer felt we needed. Tarmo has also come in and while I haven't seen a lot of him yet, he has good feet and has scored some good goals in training.

"I'm enjoying playing up there, so I do want to fight for that position. I'm getting chances and getting into good positions, so if I'd have taken more of them, I'd be getting raved about up there.

"But I feel it is only a matter of time before they go in on a regular basis. I'm still adjusting to the role. I've had a few one-on-ones which, playing on the wing, I'm not so used to.

"You also have to learn not to worry when you miss and just dust yourself down for the next chance. So it is a case of 'bring it on', really, in terms of competition. I just want to do a job for the team and my new job is to get goals."

Watkins is on high alert as Rangers' cup-conquerors Raith Rovers come calling today, knowing full well that the hosts are big favourites. But the carrot of a rare Hampden Park appearance in the semi-finals is just as alluring to Inverness, according to the frontman.

Watkins said: "We know Raith are a quality side. They beat Rangers and we've just got to be up for it. Aaron Doran and James Vincent have been quality in training this week and it's good to have them back.

"We know the semis are at the national stadium and, obviously, that is what you play the game for - big occasions like those. Last year's semi-final and final in the League Cup were amazing, though obviously the Celtic Park match was bitterly disappointing.

"But just walking out in that kind of atmosphere is awesome and makes you hungry for more. Let's go and do it again.

"Winning a major cup would be a huge bit of history for this club because it has never done it before. But it is one game at a time. We won't get carried away. If we can win the game, we have an opportunity to do something that's never been done before.

"The pressure is on us in this game because we're expected to win. We're third in the Scottish Premiership and they are mid-table in the Championship.

"They have nothing to lose and we know they are an excellent side. We have to make sure we're not complacent.

"We're going to be right up for it and treat it like we're playing Celtic. We're a really good team and we've proved it over the season. We've got to make sure we do the job."

Watkins' current deal expires in the summer and he is believed to be the subject of strong interest from League One and Championship outfits in England, as well as the Tynecastle club. But the Caley Thistle attacker wants to shut all thoughts of his future out of his mind until the summer break.

He said: "There's nothing more. I'm just focusing on playing my football and I'll think about it at the end of the season. I do feel it is a distraction when you have all that stuff going on off the pitch. I enjoy it here - it has been great - so we'll see what happens."