Player of the month Watt targeting return to international fold

In-form St Johnstone striker Tony Watt is eyeing up a return to the Scotland squad.

The former Celtic and Charlton Athletic attacker has notched six goals in nine starts for the Perth club since signing in July and yesterday collected the Ladbrokes Premiership Player of the Month award for August.

The 24-year-old, who was capped under previous international manager Gordon Strachan against the Czech Republic two years ago, admits he still harbours aspirations of playing for his country. But in the wake of changes in the Scotland setup, Watt appreciates he has to produce form and goals on a consistent basis to catch the eye of Strachan’s successor, Alex Mcleish.

“I want to get back into the Scotland squad,” he stressed.

“There’s no secret about that but it is going to be hard. I have to play games consistently and score goals. But I believe I can do that so hopefully I can get involved.

“Who knows, if I can score a few more goals in September I might make the next squad.

“There’s always a place for players doing well and the

0 Tony Watt: Rich vein of form.

manager has shown that with some of the guys he has called up.

“When the old manager was there he would keep in contact and let you know what he wanted you to do. But it is a new set-up and I was out for six months. I’m sure the boys who have been called up were told what to do and that is understandable. It’s like anything, you need to force your way onto the radar. Hopefully I can get back in there if I continue to do well.”

When Swansea City striker Oliver Mcburnie pulled out of the squad for games with Belgium and Albania, Watt didn’t expect a call from Mcleish.

“I didn’t think I would get a late call, not at all,” he said. “It’s the hope that kills you. I’m not in that mindset just now. I wouldn’t expect to be given anything. If it comes, it comes.

“A lot of players do well for a month or so but then fade away. If I am doing it month after month and not being picked then I might get worried. If I can do well in September and get called up for the next squad that would be great. I just have to be consistent.

“I did well in the Championship in England with Charlton and did well for Celtic as well. Over the last two years I just didn’t play. I kept working hard in training but wasn’t given games. I’m happy being here and playing games.”