Stark out of order with Watt comments
The Scotland u-21 coach has had the good fortune to work with Watt whose wages are paid for by Celtic.
Such was Watt’s form that he was called into the full Scotland squad for the World Cup tie in June away to Croatia.
Five goals from six starts and three substitute appearance is good going at u-21 level, especially for a 19 year old playing in the hardest position on the pitch.
International football is dependent on the goodwill of clubs who release their players, often they are returned injured or disillusioned after international duty.
Clubs benefit from the experience that players get with their country but club football can survive without internationals, the reverse doesn’t apply.
Yesterday when naming his squad for the upcoming u-21 internationals Stark was asked about the absence of Watt who has scored twice in three appearances for Lierse in the Belgian league.
Rather than give a diplomatic answer the Scotland coach decided to go into detail about the strikers absence. As well as damaging Watt it might cause some clubs to think twice about releasing players if off field matters are going to be aired in public.
Discussing Watt’s absence Stark explained: “It’s something that was highlighted at Lierse and Neil Lennon was then forced to comment on it.
“I’ll address it too as Tony has to work on his fitness.
“Every time he’s come to us he’s flagged it up that his fitness isn’t what it should be. It’s hard for us to help him gain that fitness.
“I just felt the last couple of games it has been shown up a bit and I want to go with ones that are fully fit.”
Stark added: “It’s normal that you get boys who have problems they need to overcome.
“Snodgrass had a different thing but it’s fantastic how he’s turned his whole life round and is now one of the top men in England.
“I want to help Tony develop and sometimes they need a knock to show them they need to do more. It’s about personal responsibility.
“We’ve all been there as teenagers and you want to have a good time but sacrifices need to be made.
“Nobody likes criticism and it wasn’t very veiled criticism. Will this be a wake-up call?
“I’m sure Neil has tried that many times so I really don’t know. I’m just doing the best for my squad – and hopefully for Tony.”
While Stark gathers together fully fit young players including Lewis Toshney and a midfielder from the third tier of Scottish football Watt will gain extra time adapting to life in Lierse preparing to play against clubs like Standard Liege, Anderlecht and Club Brugges.
Former Rangers (IL) and Hearts (IA) director Campbell Ogilvie remains as President of the Scottish Football Association.
CLICK HERE for Watt’s Scotland u-21 record