Wolves kid is knocking at the door
ELLIOT WATT is determined to become the latest Scot to make an impact in the English Premier League and the Wolves starlet wants to use the Toulon Tournament as a springboard to help him make his breakthrough.
The Preston-born midfielder has represented Scotland at all levels and is now set to make his Under-21s debut today as Scot Gemmill’s team face Togo in the prestigious French event.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side cantered to the English Championship this season and Watt, 18, has already been training with the first team and playing for the Molineux men’s Under-23 side.
Watt is highly rated after previously captaining Wolves’ Under-18s and was rewarded with a long-term deal last year. And he has been hugely impressed with the way the club have been transformed from relegation battlers to a top-flight club under the Portuguese manager.
Watt said: ‘I’ve really enjoyed the season and obviously the club has been a great place to be, in terms of what they’ve achieved. Personally, I made the step up early to the Under-23s and I’ve had quite a bit of game time.
‘I feel like I’m developing. This time last year, I was away with Scotland Under-17s at the Euros. Then a few months ago I was in the Under-19s for the qualifiers and now I’m in the squad for Toulon, which I didn’t expect. So it’s been a great year for me but I know I’ve got a lot way to go.
‘You could sense a big transition when the manager came in. But the aim was always to reach the Premier League and they’ve achieved it. I’ve enjoyed the challenges this season.
‘To be around the first team and see the step up in quality — compared to what we were used to, it’s frightening really. It’s a great place to be right now. I’ve trained with the first team and the gaffer is great with us. He’ll take time out to speak to us during a session, giving us bits of advice.
‘He’s quite bullish, even in training, but it’s because his standards are so high.’
Watt has been particularly impressed with two of his Wolves team-mates — Scot Barry Douglas and star man Ruben Neves. He stated: ‘Just to watch Ruben in training is frightening. It’s as if he’s constantly in first gear. I watch him and think, this isn’t even testing you.
He could go up so many more gears. As a midfielder, he’s great to learn from.
‘Barry Douglas has also been quality. The first time I trained with the first team I remember he put his arm around me and gave me a little bit of advice. He told me what the gaffer’s looking for and what’s expected. He knows I play for Scotland and he’s been different class with me.’