Tony Watt has finally turned his career around ahead of Celtic clash

By Euan Davidson

October 14, 2021

It’s not unusual for Celtic to face a former player on their Premiership travels, but there’ll be something different about meeting Motherwell man Tony Watt on Saturday.

The Champions League hero, who famous scored the winner against Barcelona in 2012, has bounced from club to club since leaving the Bhoys. For years, he seemed like a nomadic striker whose career had stalled after an unfortunate Parkhead exit.

Watt took in spells at Standard Liege, Charlton, Cardiff, Blackburn, Hearts, OH Leuven, CSKA Sofia and St Johnstone. Now, though, he’s with the Steelmen, and he’s making a sizeable impact for Graham Alexander’s side.

Motherwell, who currently sit above Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, have benefitted hugely from Watt’s performances. In 13 outings thus far, he’s scored 5 and set up 2 [Transfermarkt], looking every bit the goal-scoring talent that came through at Celtic.

That comes after being voted the Motherwell Player of the Year for 20-21 [MFC]. After so many years moving around, it really looks like the Celtic cult hero has found some permanence.

Not only that, he’s being tipped for Scotland. Motherwell and Scotland legend James McFadden has given his seal of approval [Football Scotland]. Meanwhile, his manager Alexander reckons Watt is capable of making the step up to international duty [National].

It’s great to see Tony Watt thriving at Motherwell, provided he doesn’t score against Celtic on Saturday

All this goodwill has a limit, though.

Motherwell face Celtic on Saturday, in what’s typically a mouth-watering fixture. For both supports, as well as neutrals, this is a game with a proud history of being utterly dramatic.

The striker, who scored 8 goals for Celtic, could really do damage against his old club. Granted, the Bhoys are creating plenty of chances, and have their own formidable front-line.

However, the physicality and aggression of Watt could make life difficult for the Hoops defence on Saturday afternoon. Certainly, that’s what his boss will be hoping for. Big displays on these kinds of occasions will only bolster his hopes for a Scotland call-up.

He’s found the net against Livingston – something Celtic didn’t manage – and his also scored against Dundee, Ross County, and another of his former clubs, St Johnstone.

Can Watt repeat the trick on Saturday? Celtic fans will be hoping not.

But for the memories he gave us, and his excellent fortitude, Watt is a player that Celtic fans can enjoy watching. Any other weekend, that is.

Read more: Jamie McGrath addresses future after once being touted for Celtic by his own manager