Watt’s got that loving feeling for the game again
MOTHERWELL forward Tony Watt has already beaten his record of goals for a season — and puts it down to the fact he is back loving his life in the game rather than hating every minute of it.
The 27-year-old (right) has been excellent on the left of a front three for the Steelmen and his 60th-minute leveller at Easter Road took him to 10 for the campaign — one better than his previous best at Belgian club Lierse back in 2014. Nine of his goals have come in the Premiership, making him the top scorer in the division. Watt’s confidence was clear as he bounced back from missing a chance from a header in the first half to fire home a clinical finish — and he puts it down to belief in himself and being happy where his journey has taken him in a rollercoaster career.
‘I’ve always been a decent finisher but before I was happy enough to do my work outside the box,’ he said. ‘I wasn’t as hungry or greedy but now I am shooting more and they are going in. I know I can score, I know I can hit the shots and do all the things a striker can do.
‘It is just about proving to people what I have always believed, which is that I am a good player and that, when my mind is at it, I can do whatever I want. If I let a miss get into my head then the game is over for me at 15 minutes. If I let that beat me up then give Hibs the win and I won’t shoot again.
‘I am enjoying football again. There have been times in my life when I have hated it and others when I’ve been happy and confident.
‘Now I’ve got the love back, so I am going to try and prolong my career as long as possible.’
There are those who feel Watt’s form could be rewarded with a Scotland call-up. He doesn’t rule it out, but is realistic.
‘People always say that to me when I am doing well but they are in the playoffs so they are doing something right,’ he said. ‘Steve Clarke has enough (options). You saw Che Adams against Denmark. You can’t complain when you see that performance. ‘Scotland are not doing anything wrong, so, if that stays the same, then I won’t have one bad feeling about it.’
Still sitting in the top half of the Premiership table, the only negative for Fir Park boss Graham Alexander was that Ricki Lamie was taken off injured in the second half, leaving Bevis Mugabi as the only fit established centre-back.
‘We only have one central defender, but I think we have others who can do that role for us,’ said Alexander.
‘It was unfortunate as Ricki has been fantastic, but Jake Carroll came in and contributed to our clean sheet.’