Tony Watt has made an excellent start at Dundee United and he capped it off with his first goal for the club – against ex-employers Motherwell.
Watt netted the clinching second goal in a 2-0 win over Well on Wednesday as United moved into fourth place in the Scottish Premiership.
After 90 magical minutes, United can now start setting their sights on challenging for a European spot.
Watt could also catch the eye of Scotland boss Steve Clarke if he rekindles the scoring touch that saw him top the charts at Well.
The stars aligned for Watt and United on a glorious night for the club.
But the former Fir Park striker also had a public pitchside bust-up with Well chief executive Alan Burrows.
Both parties say that incident has since been fully resolved.
It was an action-packed 90 minutes and Watt held court in his post-match interview.
Tony Watt discusses first Dundee United goal and European ambitions
First goal 🍊😮💨 https://t.co/rAtzngetf2
— Tony Watt (@32watto) February 10, 2022
With Watt off the mark and United up to fourth, there was a positive buzz around Tannadice as the fans chanted his name.
“Thank god I got the goal because I was a bit sloppy all over the park,” Watt said.
“I’m paid to score goals but I can bring a lot more.
“It was brilliant to hear the fans sing my name.
“They have really taken to me and I’m glad we were able to repay them with a win.
“We are up to fourth in the table and we need to now kick on.
“Getting into Europe is a wee stretch away just now.
“We really need to put a sustained run together first and it will be a fight with Motherwell, Aberdeen and Hibs and St Mirren.
“It will be a five-way fight for three positions.”
Tony Watt: Too early for Scotland call-up chat
Watt could battle it out with Kevin Nisbet for a Scotland call-up if he turns on the style at United.
But doesn’t yet have his sights set on forcing his way into the squad for the crucial World Cup play-off with Ukraine next month.
“Every time I score a goal I get asked about getting a Scotland call-up,” added Watt. “It’s too early for that.
“Scotland are doing brilliantly.
“Ché Adams is probably one of the best strikers Scotland has had. He put in one of the best attacking performances of my lifetime against Denmark.
“Lyndon Dykes is flying and Kevin Nisbet is a great player.
“I want to play as high as possible but there is no shame in not getting picked.”
Alan Burrows bust-up ‘cleared up’
Watt had a touchline fall-out with Well chief Burrows as he was subbed.
The visiting crowd jeered Watt following his £100,000 January switch to United.
And he responded with a ‘fingers to the ear’ goal celebration.
That irked Burrows but Watt insists they’ve made their peace.
“I cleared that up with Alan Burrows straight away,” added Watt.
Ach, I didn’t give him abuse at all mate, it was a complete storm in a teacup and we shook hands after the game. Tony and I have always got on very well. I let myself down a wee bit and should’ve acted a better than I did, but was a bit (over) emotional about some things.
— Alan Burrows (@Alan_Burrows) February 10, 2022
“It was heated and we were having a little bit of handbags.
“I maybe told him ‘to do one’ and he maybe told me ‘to do one’ we were nearly wrestling.
“But I don’t have any bad feeling towards that guy.
“We came to each other afterwards, had a hug and cleared it up.
“Alan is a fantastic professional and he is Motherwell until he dies.
“I was celebrating in front of their fans and he took it as any fan would.
“He took it to heart because of what they have done for me.
“I can’t stress enough what Motherwell have done or what he has personally has done.
“He is the guy who brought me to the club, gave me the trial and pushed to sign me.
“Alan reinvigorated my career.
“I’m not here to tickle his manly parts but I am really happy with what Alan Burrows did for me.
“I wouldn’t have celebrated if I didn’t hear the abuse from the fans. Sometimes you become the villain.
“But this reception from the Dundee United fans made it worthwhile.
“It made me realise why I moved. I had to be selfish. The club got a good fee, Dundee United got a good player and I got a good environment.”
