The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Pressure off for Watt after netting first goal for Saints
Former Celtic ace delighted to get goal and to be playing as a striker once again
MONTROSE 0 ST JOHNSTONE 1
Tony Watt believes the pressure is now off him after he notched his first goal for St Johnstone at the weekend.
The former Celtic man’s first-half header against Montrose has put the Perth side in control of their Betfred Cup group and got him up and running with his new club.
“It was great to get a goal and it has been a long time coming as far as I am concerned,” said Watt.
“It takes the pressure off me from the start.
“A team never gets an easy game at Montrose. We controlled more than 60% of the game but they are a good side with a winning mentality.
“We got the job done. We are now on five points and our aim is to qualify.
“I know I can do more, but I just want to establish myself in the side and do whatever the manager wants me to do.
“I am happy to get 67 minutes and take things on to Tuesday. I needed to get my hunger back. I am 24 now and I am starting my career over again.”
Watt added: “It is not a case of me growing up, I have always been streetwise.
“At Hearts I could play well but not score and it is goal tallies that people look at.
“As long as I help the team that is what matters.
“My first spell abroad made me a more technical player, but that led people to think I could play number 10. I am pleased that the gaffer has told me he wants me as a striker.
“In my career I have been tagged an overnight sensation as well as a dud but it doesn’t bother me. It is how I perform on the park that matters.”
Saints boss Tommy Wright said: “We were under no real pressure in the first half and should have been out of sight. Their keeper made some good saves but we were wasteful.
“In the last 10 minutes we lost our composure. They put us under pressure with balls into the box and they could have snatched an equaliser.
“Tony Watt will need to get fitter and he knows that. It was good for him to get off the mark early, but he could have waited a while as long as the team was winning.”
Jordan Millar kept Montrose in the hunt with exceptional saves from Liam Craig, David McMillan and Callum Hendry.
On 82 minutes, Matty Allan headed against the crossbar, then two minutes from time Martyn Fotheringham sent a screamer against the bar.
Montrose manager Stewart Petrie said: “That was a super game and they were hanging on a bit as we finished really strongly.
“Martyn hit the bar with a real Word Cup strike and Matty knows he should have done better with his header.”