Modest Watt praises Hooper

Modest Tony Watt has praised the contribution of Gary Hooper after yesterday’s double against Inverness Caley Thistle.

Watt has been used to playing as a sole striker for the Celtic u-19 side with any of the five strong midfield pushing up in support.

Hooper produced his best performance of the season with Watt pulling the home defence all over the pitch with his powerful running.

“Gary is a different type of player from me,” the teenager admitted. “He’s intelligent and he holds the ball up better than I do.

“He talks you through the games. It was great to have him alongside me because it really helped me out.”

Yesterday’s match was the first time that Watt had made Neil Lennon’s starting line up but a few words from the manager ensured that nerves weren’t an issue.

“I wasn’t nervous and I wanted to go into the game with a clear head,” Watt explained. “But the manager did have a word with me before the match and it definitely helped.

“He told me I was a good enough player and that I could do it for the team. He challenged me to go out there and do it and thankfully that’s what I did. I am grateful to him for the chance.

“I am there to score goals and that is what I have done. It was great to get a few against Caley, and the win.

“You try to impress and I’ve done as well as I could. Hopefully I have given the manager food for thought and if I’m on the bench I’ll be happy.

“It’s a massive game for us and we all know what is at stake. Hopefully we can do it. I will just work hard in training and I’ll see where it takes me.”

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