WATT A TALENT Boss full of praise for former starlet and says any club would do well to snap him up... he only wishes it was Airdrie again

Mark Pirie

Airdrieonians manager Stephen Findlay has extended an open invitation to former Diamonds kid Tony Watt to train with the club.

Former Celtic, Hearts and Charlton striker Watt left Airdrie in 2010 for a switch to the Hoops which earned the club around £100,000.

The 24- year- old – who has already played for nine clubs in his career – was last week released by Belgian outfit OH Leuven and is on the look-out for his next move after arriving back in Scotland.

New Broomfield gaffer Findlay previously worked with a teenage Watt during his spell as Airdrie under- 20s coach, and opened the door for the striker to make a return to the Excelsior Stadium.

The Coatbridge lad, who is best known for his history-making goal against Barcelona at Celtic Park, has already featured for Charlton and the Belgian second-tier side this season.

Watt cannot feature for a third club under FIFA regulations unless he moves to a league which kicks-off in winter.

Findlay told the Advertiser that he has had “brief” conversations with the Scotland cap and said he would welcome him back to train with the club in order to keep fit while he is a free agent.

“I don’t know what Tony’s situation is; from the sounds of it he would have to wait until the summer or join a winter league if he is to get a club just now,” he continued.

“The one thing I will say for Tony is that he is a tremendous talent.

“If we could help Tony keep fit or stay sharp while he is sorting out his future I would say that our door is always open.

“We would extend that offer to most former players, but if I can personally help Tony out then I would be happy.

“It’s not just because it is Tony Watt, but we like to keep good relations with our former players.”

However, Findlay all but ruled out the sensational signing coup.

“If Tony decided he wanted to come back to the club this summer there is no way we would turn that down; but let’s be realistic.

“He is such a talent and has far too much to offer the game.

“I think in not too much time he will be playing for a top Scottish club or in the Championship.”