Celtic assistant manager Johan Mjallby says teenage striker Tony Watt’s double against Motherwell could earn him a starting spot for next Sunday’s Glasgow derby.
The 18-year-old made his first-team debut after coming on for Pawel Brozek and hit two goals to give the Parkhead club victory at Fir Park.
Watt’s performance impressed Mjallby and the former Sweden international says he wouldn’t rule out naming the ex-Airdrie man in the squad against Ally McCoist’s side.
"He is definitely going to be in our thoughts," said Mjallby.
"If the boy comes on and scores twice for you in a very tough game against Motherwell then obviously he is going to be in our thoughts.
"We had Georgios Samaras out, Anthony Stokes didn't get on, we have Mo Bangura, Pawel Brozek and Gary Hooper, so competition is there.
"But we have had our eyes on Tony for some time. He has done really well for the under-19s and the development team.
"He is a strong, powerful boy and obviously he likes to get into the box and score goals.
"We are delighted for him. The main thing is he has to keep his feet in the ground but the lad has a great future."
Watt’s team-mate Joe Ledley says the striker is just one of a number of promising youngsters at Celtic Park.
The Welsh midfielder added: "All the players and coaching staff are very pleased for him.
"He has a great future ahead of him, he is a goalscorer.
"He got his chance and took it with both hands so we are buzzing for him.
"And there is a lot like him. We have a good youth set-up at Celtic and that is the way forward.
"We still have Dylan (McGeouch) who wasn't in the squad bur he is a great player.
"There is a lot of good future players at this club."
IN DETAIL
To leave a comment, please sign in.