Tony Watt returns to Motherwell, says he needs to prove himself to fans

Tony Watt has returned to Motherwell on a season-long loan deal from Dundee United.

The 30-year-old had a previous spell at Fir Park between 2020 and 2022 when he scored 19 goals in 70 appearances, and has returned to bolster their front line.

Watt knows he needs to prove himself to sections of the Motherwell support, having left for United in 2022.

Motherwell have well-documented injury problems, and added striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos to that list during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat against Rangers at Hampden.

Boss Stuart Kettlewell is delighted to have the striker ready and available for selection, with a Premier Sports Cup second round tie at home to Kilmarnock looming on Sunday.

Kettlewell told the club’s website: “If you look at Tony’s record, he is available to play all the time.

“He is a player who has done well here with goals and strong performances.

“We jumped at the chance to bring him back to Fir Park, and Tony himself was desperate to return.

“Tony had lots of other options, both home and abroad, but he was fixated on coming back here.”

Former Celtic ace Watt, from Coatbridge, said: “It’s so good to be back in the building. I was itching to join Motherwell again, and can’t wait to get stuck in.

“There’s obviously people who may not be too happy to see me back. I need to prove myself here and get people back on my side, but that target is firmly set in my mind.

“I feel fit, I’ve been training, and I have a full pre-season under my belt.”

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