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Tony Watt
Tony Watt
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Anthony Paul Watt (born 29 December 1993) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a forward for Scottish Championship club Partick Thistle.

Key Information

He was a product of the Airdrie United youth academy before joining Celtic in 2011, where he scored the winning goal in a 2–1 win over Barcelona in the 2012–13 UEFA Champions League.

Watt fell out of favour at Celtic and spent the 2013–14 season on loan at Belgian Pro League club Lierse. He signed for another Belgian club, Standard Liège, in the summer of 2014. He returned to the UK in January 2015 to join Charlton Athletic. Charlton loaned Watt to Cardiff City, Blackburn Rovers and Heart of Midlothian. Watt then had another stint in Belgian football with OH Leuven, before returning to Scotland with St Johnstone in July 2018.

After a spell with Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia, Watt signed for Motherwell in February 2020. He then joined Dundee United in January 2022.

Watt represented Scotland at various youth levels and has played for the Scotland national team once, in March 2016.

Club career

[edit]

Airdrie United

[edit]

Watt started his career with Airdrie United in 2009 at under-17 level[2] after impressing youth coach Jimmy Boyle in a bounce game;[3][4] previously to this he had only played football for fun.[2] He broke into the first team squad during the 2010–11 season, making his debut on 24 July 2010, playing from the start in a Challenge Cup match against Ayr United.[2][5] He made his league debut on 7 August 2010, coming on as a 60th-minute substitute against East Fife, and scored Airdrie United's third goal to draw the match 3–3.[6] In all he made 19 appearances and scored three goals.[7] Following his departure to Celtic, he was awarded the SFL young player of the month award for December 2010.[2]

Celtic

[edit]
Watt at Celtic Park in 2013

Several clubs including Liverpool and Fulham showed interest in signing Watt during the 2011 January transfer window. After a trial with Rangers and a week's training with Liverpool, Watt was signed by his boyhood heroes Celtic on 4 January, for a reported fee of £80,000 and future payments dependent on his first-team progression.[8] He signed a three-year contract.[7] Watt made his Celtic debut on 22 April 2012 in a 3–0 win over Motherwell. He scored two goals within five minutes of coming on as a substitute.[9]

On 25 August 2012, Watt made his first start for Celtic scoring two goals in their 4–2 away win against Inverness. He made his Champions League debut on 7 November 2012, coming on as a second-half substitute for Mikael Lustig and scoring in the 83rd minute in a 2–1 home win against Barcelona.[10] Four days later, he came off the subs bench to score again, this time in a 1–1 draw against St Johnstone in the league.[11] On 15 November 2012, Watt signed a new contract extending his stay with Celtic until 2016.[12] Watt made a further 14 appearances for Celtic that season, mostly coming on as a substitute, and did not score any more goals.[13] He did however win his first major honour as Celtic won their 44th league championship title in May 2013; his 20 league appearances over the season entitling him to a league winner's medal.[14]

Lierse (loan)

[edit]

Celtic qualified for the Champions League group stage and signed two new strikers, Amido Baldé and Teemu Pukki, minimising Watt's opportunities at Celtic.[15] On 31 August 2013, Watt moved to Belgian Pro League club Lierse S.K. on a season long loan deal for the 2013–14 season.[15] In September 2013, the young striker was brought on as a substitute against Kortrijk in his debut for Lierse and, within 90 seconds of being on the field, he scored with his second touch of the ball.[16] Despite this, Watt was branded lazy and unfit by Lierse boss Stanley Menzo.[17] In response, Watt pulled off his shirt after scoring against Lommel United a few days later in the Belgian Cup resulting in a yellow card. Watt explained: "I just wanted to show that I am not fat. I knew perfectly well that if I took my top off I would get a yellow card – it happens all over the world but I just wanted to show everyone that I am in prime condition. I am not too fat and I wanted to prove this."[18]

Watt struggled to hold down a first team place thereafter, and was sent off on 2 November 2013, within a minute of coming on as a second-half substitute against Charleroi, however the red card was later rescinded.[19] A week later, Watt was sent home from training after a row with manager Stanley Menzo.[20] He was then again publicly criticised by Menzo in December 2013, with the manager stating he would not take him back from Scotland for the second half of the season. However, Watt was recalled to the side on Boxing Day and scored twice against Mechelen in a 3–0 win. Menzo commented afterwards about Watt, "Today I am glad we have him but tomorrow I might want to murder him! That's just how it is with him."[21] Watt travelled with Lierse to Portugal in January 2014 for a mid-season friendly match against Dutch side Heerenveen, with the striker scoring both of his side's goals in a 2–3 defeat.[22]

Despite manager Stanley Menzo's earlier threats, Watt remained with Lierse for the second half of the season. He started for Lierse on 18 January 2014 away against Kortrijk and scored twice in a 4–3 win for his side.[23] Watt continued his run of impressive form on 31 January, scoring with a 20-yard shot in a surprise 2–0 win for Lierse over reigning Belgian champions Anderlecht.[24][25] The relationship between Watt and manager Stanley Menzo remained volatile though. In February 2014 Watt stated that he loved Lierse and Belgium,[26] however after losing his starting place in the team again during March 2014, he complained to the media that "Whenever we lose, Menzo blames me" and added that "Actually, it's his fault."[27] Lierse responded to Watt's comments by demoting him from the first-team squad to their 'B' squad.[28] Watt did not play for Lierse again, and returned to Celtic at the end of the season.[29]

Standard Liège

[edit]

After his loan spell in the country, a number of top Belgian clubs were reported to be showing an interest in signing Watt permanently.[30][31] Watt left Celtic in July 2014 for a reported fee of £1.2 million, signing a five-year contract with Belgian club Standard Liège.[32] He made his debut on 2 August 2014, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 3–2 league win away against Kortrijk.[33] Watt made his next appearance three days later, again as a second-half substitute, this time in a 2–1 away win against Panathinaikos in the Champions League qualifying rounds.[34] However, Watt failed to make much impact and by the end of December 2014 had scored only three goals with most of his appearances being as a substitute.[35]

Charlton Athletic

[edit]

The Addicks confirmed the signing of Watt on 6 January 2015. "He's a guy who can score goals, he has a lot of pace, especially round the back of the defence, and although he's only 21 he has a lot of experience already and has played in the Champions League" manager Bob Peeters said.[36] Watt scored his first goal for Charlton in a 3–2 loss at home against Norwich on 10 February 2015.[37] Four days later, Watt helped Charlton end a 13-game winless run in the league with a 3–0 victory over Brentford. Watt did not score but turned in an outstanding performance which included an assist for Charlton's second goal, earning him the man of the match award.[38][39] On 28 February, Watt scored a brace in a 3–0 win against Huddersfield at The Valley in an impressive performance by both Charlton and Watt.[40] For the remainder of the season he formed a formidable partnership with fellow striker Igor Vetokele.[41]

Watt scored three goals for Charlton during the first month of 2015–16,[42] but as the season progressed and amidst a combination of injuries and rumours of a row at training, he became a more peripheral figure at the club.[42][43][44]

Cardiff City (loan)

[edit]

On 23 November 2015, Watt was loaned to Cardiff City, until 16 January 2016,[45] he later made his debut during a 2–2 draw with Burnley and scored his first goal the following game against Bolton Wanderers.[46] Cardiff were hit with a transfer embargo for the January transfer window, following a breach of financial fair play rules, meaning they could not sign Watt on a permanent deal. He returned to Charlton after they rejected an extension to the loan deal, making nine appearances and scoring twice in the Welsh capital.[47]

Blackburn Rovers (loan)

[edit]

On 29 January 2016, Watt was loaned to Blackburn Rovers, until the end of the 2015–16 season, with a fee already agreed for a permanent move in the Summer of 2016. Watt scored his first goal for Rovers on his debut in an FA Cup match away to Oxford United on 30 January.[48] Watt scored his first league goal for Rovers against Birmingham City at Ewood Park.[49] On 7 April 2016, Watt returned to Charlton Athletic due to an injury.[50]

Hearts (loan)

[edit]

Watt was loaned to Scottish Premiership club Hearts for the 2016–17 season.[51] On 1 January 2017, the loan deal was cut short and he returned to Charlton, having only scored once in 17 games for Hearts.[52][53]

OH Leuven

[edit]

On 13 August 2017, Watt returned to Belgium, signing for Belgian First Division B team Oud-Heverlee Leuven a one-year contract with the option for another season.[54]

St Johnstone

[edit]

Having left Leuven in February 2018, Watt was unable to sign for another club during the 2017–18 season. After training with Aberdeen due to a mutual connection with their manager Derek McInnes,[55] he signed a one-year contract with St Johnstone in July 2018.[56] On 21 July he scored for the first time since the previous August, netting the only goal of a 1–0 victory over Montrose in the group stage of the 2018–19 Scottish League Cup.[57] He went on to score six goals in the opening nine games of the season, seeing him winning the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month award for August 2018.[58] Watt then suffered a goal drought for four months, until scoring the only goal in the 89th minute of St Johnstone's 1–0 win over St Mirren on 26 December 2018.[59] Manager Tommy Wright commented after the game: "We're trying to get Tony in the box more often and it's a great header from him that wins the game. That should do him a world of good."[60] However, Watt only scored one more goal for St Johnstone, in a 2–0 win over Hamilton Accies in January 2019.[35] In April 2019, it was announced that Watt had turned down the offer of a new contract with St Johnstone, and would leave at the end of the season.[61]

CSKA Sofia

[edit]

On 27 May 2019, Watt signed a three-year contract with Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia.[62] He scored his first goal for the "redmen" in a competitive match on 20 July 2019, in the 3–1 league loss against Cherno More.[63] Watt parted ways with the team by mutual consent in January 2020 for personal reasons.[64]

Motherwell

[edit]

In February 2020, Watt started training with Motherwell[65] and he subsequently signed a short-term contract with the club on 7 February 2020[66][67]

After extending his contract with Motherwell until the summer of 2021 on 29 May 2020,[68] Watt then extended his contract with again on 9 November 2020, until the summer of 2022.[69]

During the 2020–21 season, Watt was rewarded for his performances, by being voted as the Motherwell fans Player of the Month for four successive months from October to January.[70] On 20 February 2021, he was named as captain for Motherwell's home match versus St Johnstone.[71]

Dundee United

[edit]

On 27 December 2021, signed a pre-contract deal with fellow Scottish Premiership club Dundee United, agreeing a three-year contract.[72] Three weeks later, the clubs came to an agreement for Watt to join United immediately for an undisclosed transfer fee.[73] He made his debut for United on 18 January 2022, as a substitute in a 2–1 home defeat against St Mirren.[74]

Watt was loaned to St Mirren in January 2023.[75]

On 29 December 2023, his 30th birthday, Watt scored a hattrick in a 3-0 win over Partick Thistle at Tannadice.[76]

Partick Thistle

[edit]

In July 2025 Watt joined Scottish Championship club Partick Thistle on a two year deal.[77] Watt made his Thistle debut off the bench in a 4–1 away victory over Edinburgh City in the Scottish League Cup group stages.[78]

Watt scored his first goal for Thistle on 15 July 2025, in a 2–0 home win over Stranraer in the Scottish League Cup group stages.[79] Watt scored his first league goal for Thistle, opening the scoring in a 3–2 home win over Raith Rovers.[80]

International career

[edit]

Watt has played for Scotland U19s, his debut came on 12 May 2011, in a 1–0 loss to Denmark.[81][82] He scored his first goal on 23 September 2011, in a 3–1 victory over Wales[83] After his Celtic debut, Scotland U20s manager Billy Stark said that he wanted to move Watt up from the U19 squad to the under 20s,[84][85] Watt made his debut for Scotland U21s in August 2012 in a friendly match against Belgium.[86] He went on to make a total of nine appearances for the U21 side, scoring five times.[87]

On 21 May 2013, Watt was called up by Gordon Strachan to the senior Scotland squad for the World Cup qualifier in Zagreb against Croatia on 7 June 2013.[88] He did not play, and was subsequently dropped from the Under 21 side by manager Billy Stark, with Stark citing issues with Watt's fitness as the main reason for not selecting him.[89]

Watt was called up to the senior Scotland squad again in March 2016 for a friendly against Czech Republic,[90] and made his debut in the match on 24 March, a 1–0 win for Scotland, when he came on as a 78th-minute substitute for Ross McCormack.[91][92]

Personal life

[edit]

Watt grew up in Coatbridge and attended St Andrew's High School.[4]

Career statistics

[edit]
As of match played 14 May 2025[35]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Airdrie United 2010–11 Scottish Second Division 15 3 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 19 3
Celtic 2011–12 Scottish Premier League 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2
2012–13 Scottish Premier League 20 5 1 0 2 0 5 1 0 0 28 6
2013–14 Scottish Premiership 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0
Total 25 7 1 0 2 0 6 1 0 0 34 8
Lierse (loan) 2013–14 Belgian Pro League 15 9 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 10
Standard Liège 2014–15 Belgian Pro League 13 2 1 1 0 0 7 0 0 0 21 3
Charlton Athletic 2014–15 Championship 22 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 5
2015–16 Championship 14 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 15 3
2016–17 League One 16 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 2
2017–18 League One 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Total 53 9 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 56 10
Cardiff City (loan) 2015–16 Championship 9 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 2
Blackburn Rovers (loan) 2015–16 Championship 9 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 2
Heart of Midlothian (loan) 2016–17 Scottish Premiership 16 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 17 1
OH Leuven 2017–18 Belgian First Division B 11 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 2
St Johnstone 2018–19 Scottish Premiership 29 3 2 1 6 4 0 0 0 0 37 8
CSKA Sofia 2019–20 First Professional Football League 13 3 2 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 18 5
Motherwell 2019–20 Scottish Premiership 4 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 2
2020–21 Scottish Premiership 35 3 1 1 1 1 3 2 0 0 40 7
2021–22 Scottish Premiership 19 9 0 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 24 10
Total 58 13 3 2 6 2 3 2 0 0 70 19
Dundee United 2021–22 Scottish Premiership 17 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 1
2022–23 Scottish Premiership 17 4 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 21 4
2023–24 Scottish Championship 36 13 0 0 4 0 0 0 3 2 43 15
2024–25 Scottish Premiership 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Total 70 18 2 0 9 0 2 0 3 2 86 20
St Mirren (loan) 2022–23 Scottish Premiership 10 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 1
Motherwell (loan) 2024–25 Scottish Premiership 28 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 30 1
Partick Thistle 2025–26 Scottish Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career total 374 74 18 9 30 7 21 3 4 2 447 95

Honours

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Anthony Paul Watt (born 29 December 1993) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a forward for club Partick Thistle. Standing at 1.86 metres tall, Watt rose to prominence with Celtic, where he made 34 appearances and scored 8 goals, most notably the winning goal in a 2–1 group stage victory over on 7 November 2012. Watt began his career in the youth setup at Airdrieonians before joining Celtic in January 2011 for a fee of £80,000. He made his senior debut for Celtic on 22 April 2012, scoring twice in a 3–0 win over , and went on to feature in European competitions during the club's successful 2012–13 season. After a loan spell at Belgian club Lierse S.K. in 2013–14, Watt transferred to in July 2014 for £1.2 million, marking the start of a nomadic career across and . Following brief stints in and —including loans from Charlton Athletic to City, Blackburn Rovers, and Heart of Midlothian—Watt returned to Scottish football with St Johnstone in 2018, later playing for CSKA Sofia, , St Mirren (loan), and Dundee United. He joined Dundee United on a three-year deal in January 2022, where he played 86 matches and scored 20 goals over three-and-a-half seasons, including 13 league goals in the 2023–24 campaign that helped secure promotion as second-tier champions. In July 2025, Watt signed a two-year contract with Partick Thistle, bringing his experience to the club ahead of the 2025–26 season. Internationally, he earned a single cap for the national team in 2016.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Anthony Paul Watt was born on 29 December 1993 in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. He grew up in this industrial town, historically centered on coal mining and ironworks, which shaped its working-class character. Watt was raised by his parents, Paul and Lucy, in a family home in Coatbridge, where he lived with them into his late teens. The close-knit family environment, including extended relatives such as aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews, provided a supportive backdrop to his early years, with local community ties influencing his upbringing in the Lanarkshire area. From a young age, Watt showed an early interest in football, frequently playing in the streets and parks around Coatbridge.

Introduction to football

Tony Watt's introduction to organized football came relatively late compared to many players, beginning at the age of eight with local side Dunbeth Boys Club, where he spent five years developing his skills in grassroots matches. He later transitioned to another amateur team in the area, Whifflet Athletic, competing in the and and District Youth League, which provided his initial structured exposure to competitive play. During this period with Whifflet, Watt earned trials at youth setups, including a three-month stint at St Mirren and a shorter one at Queen's Park, though he was ultimately rejected by both clubs, experiences that fueled his determination to succeed. At around age 15, Watt joined Airdrie United's youth system after responding to a advertisement placed by the club's youth coach, Jimmy Boyle, and impressing during a bounce game. In Airdrie's youth setup, he quickly adapted to a more professional environment, playing at the under-17 level for a season and demonstrating raw talent as a forward, which led to early recognition within the club's development program. His progress in these youth ranks highlighted his physicality and goal-scoring instinct, setting the foundation for further opportunities despite his unconventional path into the sport. Throughout his early football journey, Watt received strong support from his family, particularly his parents, Lucy and Paul, who encouraged him through rejections and motivated him to persevere in pursuing a professional career.

Club career

Airdrieonians

Tony Watt progressed through the youth ranks at Airdrie United before signing his first professional contract with the club in the summer of 2010. He made his senior debut for Airdrie United on 7 August 2010 in the Scottish Second Division, substituting in the 60th minute during a home match against East and scoring the equalizing goal in a 3–3 draw. Watt netted his initial senior goals in that season, including strikes against Brechin City and , showcasing his potential as a promising forward. Over the course of the 2010–11 season, Watt featured in 19 appearances across all competitions, scoring 3 goals and contributing to Airdrie United's efforts in the Second Division. His breakthrough performances drew attention from clubs, culminating in a transfer to Celtic on 4 January 2011 for a fee of £80,000.

Celtic

Tony Watt joined Celtic from Airdrie United on 4 2011 for a reported fee of £80,000, entering the club's youth academy as a highly promising 17-year-old forward. He quickly integrated into the development squad, where his prolific scoring in youth matches—often drawing comparisons to established strikers—earned him recognition and international call-ups for Scotland's under-19 team. Watt's progression from academy prospect to first-team contender was marked by his physicality, pace, and finishing ability, though he initially faced stiff competition in a squad featuring players like and . Watt made his Scottish Premiership debut on 22 April 2012, coming on as a substitute against at and scoring twice within five minutes to secure a 3–0 victory, instantly announcing his potential. His first start followed on 25 August 2012 in a 4–2 away win over Caledonian Thistle, where he netted a brace, including a curled finish and a powerful drive, contributing significantly to Celtic's early league dominance. The 2012–13 season proved Watt's breakthrough, as he featured regularly under manager , making 28 appearances across all competitions and scoring 6 goals, including strikes against Dundee United, St Mirren, St Johnstone, and in the Champions League. His form, blending raw energy with clinical finishing, helped Celtic secure the title and reach the Champions League knockout stage for the first time in a . Watt's most iconic moment came on 7 November 2012 in a group stage match at against , the reigning European champions led by [Lionel Messi](/page/Lionel Messi). Substituting in the 67th minute with the score at 1–0 to Celtic (via Victor Wanyama's earlier header), Watt latched onto a loose ball in the 84th minute, evading before chipping Victor Valdés to seal a famous 2–1 upset victory. This goal, described by Watt as "the most special of my life," propelled Celtic to second in Group G, securing their progression to the last 16 and cementing his status as a club hero at age 18. The win, against a side that had won 18 of their previous 19 matches, highlighted Celtic's resilient defensive display and Watt's composure under pressure. By the end of his main stint in summer 2013, Watt had amassed 34 appearances and 8 goals for Celtic's first team, showcasing his rapid rise before being loaned to Lierse as part of his ongoing development.

Lierse (loan)

In the summer of 2013, following a breakthrough season at Celtic where he had garnered attention for his goal against in the , Tony Watt was to Belgian club Lierse S.K. for the 2013–14 campaign to gain regular first-team experience and further his development. The season-long move, announced on 1 September 2013, aimed to provide Watt with consistent playing time after he had made 34 appearances and scored eight goals for Celtic, mostly as a substitute. Watt made his debut for Lierse on 21 September 2013, coming on as a substitute against in the and scoring just 92 seconds later to secure a 2–0 victory, marking an immediate impact despite subsequent criticism from manager regarding his fitness. Over the course of the season, he adapted to the physical demands of Belgian football, featuring in 18 league matches and scoring nine goals, which contributed to Lierse's mid-table finish in 12th place. Among his standout performances was a brace on 25 January 2014 in a thrilling 4–3 away win over Kortrijk, where his goals helped Lierse come from behind to secure three vital points amid a challenging relegation battle. Watt's contributions highlighted his speed and finishing ability, though his loan spell was marked by occasional disciplinary issues and public clashes with Menzo, who emphasized the need for greater professionalism. By the end of the stint in July 2014, the experience abroad had exposed Watt to a new tactical environment, aiding his growth despite the team's modest position.

Standard Liège

In the summer of 2014, Tony Watt completed a permanent transfer from Celtic to , signing a five-year contract for a reported fee of £1.2 million. This move followed a successful loan spell in the with Lierse the previous season, providing Watt with familiarity in the division. During the 2014–15 season, Watt featured prominently in 's campaigns across multiple competitions, making 21 appearances and scoring 3 goals before departing midway through the year. In the , he played 13 matches and netted 3 goals, contributing to the team's fourth-place finish, which secured qualification for the group stage the following season. Watt also appeared in 4 Europa League group stage games, helping finish second in Group B behind Panathinaikos and advance to the knockout rounds, where they were eliminated by Dynamo Kyiv. Watt's tenure at Standard Liège ended in January 2015 when he transferred to Charlton Athletic for an undisclosed fee, despite having two years remaining on his contract. Over his brief stint with the club, spanning six months, his overall contributions included 21 appearances and 3 goals in all competitions.

Charlton Athletic

Watt signed for Charlton Athletic on 6 January 2015, joining from for an undisclosed fee on a three-and-a-half-year contract until summer 2018. His debut came in the during the 2014–15 season, where he went on to make 22 appearances and score 5 goals, contributing to the team's mid-table finish of 12th place. In the 2015–16 Championship campaign, prior to loans, Watt featured in 16 matches for Charlton, netting 3 goals—including a brace in the opening games against Queens Park Rangers and & Redbridge—as the side endured a poor run of form, conceding heavily and ultimately finishing 22nd to suffer relegation to . Returning from loan in January 2017, Watt added to Charlton's 2016–17 League One efforts with 16 appearances and 2 goals before further temporary moves, as the club stabilized to end the season in 13th position. These outings represented his foundational experience in English football, with loans serving as key steps in his development.

Cardiff City (loan)

On 23 November 2015, Tony Watt joined Cardiff City on a short-term loan from Charlton Athletic, initially set to run until 16 January 2016, amid the club's efforts to bolster their attacking options in the EFL Championship. The move allowed Watt to adapt to a new environment in Wales, where he quickly integrated into the squad under manager Russell Slade, benefiting from the team's competitive position in the mid-table race during the early winter months. Watt made 9 appearances for Cardiff, starting every match and accumulating 742 minutes of playing time, during which he scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist. His key strikes came in tight victories that highlighted his impact: a goal against Bolton Wanderers on 5 December 2015 in a 3–2 away win, and another versus Brentford on 15 December 2015 in a 3–2 home triumph, both contributing to Cardiff's push for improved form in a season where they ultimately finished 8th with 67 points. Despite these contributions, Watt's opportunities were constrained by the loan's brevity and the club's transfer embargo in January 2016, which prevented an extension and limited his overall involvement to just over two months. Following the expiration of his loan on 16 January 2016, Watt returned to Charlton Athletic without securing a longer stay at Cardiff.

Blackburn Rovers (loan)

On 29 January 2016, Tony Watt joined Blackburn Rovers on a loan from Charlton Athletic until the end of the 2015–16 season, with an agreement in place for a potential permanent transfer in the summer. The move came shortly after Jordan Rhodes' departure to Middlesbrough, as Blackburn sought to bolster their attacking options amid a tight battle to avoid relegation from the EFL Championship. Watt made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut in the fourth round against Oxford United on 30 January 2016, drilling in the second goal in a 3–0 victory that advanced Blackburn to the fifth round. In the , he featured in 10 matches, netting once with a smart turn and finish in the 20th minute during a 2–0 home win over Birmingham on 8 March 2016, helping secure three vital points against play-off contenders. His contributions provided versatility up front, drawing on experience from a previous at Cardiff earlier in the season. Blackburn, who sat precariously near the relegation zone upon Watt's arrival, ultimately finished 15th in the table with 55 points, comfortably avoiding the drop by nine points. However, Watt's stint was cut short by a serious sustained in a 2–1 loss to Preston North End on 2 April 2016, leading to his recall to Charlton on 7 April after scans confirmed it would sideline him for the remainder of the campaign. Despite the abbreviated spell, his early goals offered a spark to Blackburn's survival effort and showcased his potential as a dynamic forward.

Heart of Midlothian (loan)

In July 2016, following unsuccessful loan spells at Cardiff City and Blackburn Rovers in , Tony Watt returned to Scottish football by joining Heart of Midlothian on a season-long loan from Charlton Athletic. The 22-year-old forward, who had previously risen to prominence at Celtic, aimed to rediscover his form in familiar surroundings under manager . Watt featured regularly in the early stages of the campaign, making 17 appearances and scoring once, with his solitary goal coming in a 1–2 defeat to Partick Thistle on 27 August 2016. Despite initial promise, his integration proved challenging as he struggled with consistency and was increasingly consigned to the substitutes' bench, contributing to Hearts' mid-table position but failing to secure a regular starting role. His efforts helped provide depth to the attacking options during a season where Hearts finished fifth in , though his overall impact was limited. The loan spell was cut short on 1 January 2017, with Watt returning to Charlton after just six months, amid reports of attitude concerns raised by Charlton's manager , who demanded an apology from the player over his mentality and commitment. Watt later reflected on the period as underwhelming, admitting it did not meet expectations and highlighting personal struggles with form and adaptation under Cathro's tactical setup. Despite the difficulties, the move represented an attempt to reinvigorate his career back in , though it ultimately underscored ongoing challenges in maintaining the prolific output seen earlier in his youth career.

Oud-Heverlee Leuven

In August 2017, Tony Watt returned to Belgian football by signing a one-year contract with on a free transfer from Charlton Athletic, marking his second stint in the country after previous loans at Lierse and . During the 2017–18 season in the Belgian First Division B, Watt made 11 league appearances for OH Leuven, scoring 1 and providing 0 assists while accumulating 498 minutes of play. His contributions helped the team secure third place in the regular season standings, though they did not advance to promotion through the subsequent play-offs. Watt's contract was terminated by mutual consent in February 2018, after which he became a and was unable to join another club for the remainder of the season. Overall, his brief tenure at OH Leuven provided limited playing time but added experience in the second tier, where he occasionally featured as a centre-forward or left winger.

St Johnstone

Watt returned to Scottish football in July 2018, signing a one-year contract with St Johnstone as a following his departure from . The move marked his re-entry into the after previous experience with Celtic and a loan spell at Hearts. In the 2018–19 season, Watt established himself as a key forward for St Johnstone, making 37 appearances across all competitions and scoring 8 goals. He contributed 7 goals in 30 matches, along with 4 goals in the League Cup group stage and 1 in the . His early form was particularly impressive, with 6 league goals in the opening 9 fixtures, earning him the Ladbrokes Premiership Player of the Month award for August. St Johnstone enjoyed moderate success in cup competitions during Watt's tenure, topping their group before a 1–0 defeat to Celtic in the second round. In the , they advanced to the fifth round, where Watt scored in a 3–1 win over Queen of the South, but were eliminated 5–0 by Celtic. Watt's overall impact provided stability in attack amid the team's mid-table finish in the Premiership. However, Watt's goal-scoring tapered off later in the campaign, with just one additional league strike after January 2019. In April, he rejected an offer for a contract extension and departed the club upon the expiry of his deal at season's end.

CSKA Sofia

In May 2019, Tony Watt signed a three-year contract with Bulgarian First League club CSKA on a free transfer following his departure from St Johnstone. This marked his second stint abroad after previous spells in , as he sought to revive his career at a club that had narrowly missed out on the league title the previous season. During the 2019–20 season, Watt made 20 appearances across all competitions for CSKA Sofia, scoring 5 goals, including 3 in 15 league outings and 2 in the . He contributed to a competitive campaign where the team finished second in the First Professional Football League, behind champions Ludogorets , while also participating in the qualifiers. However, Watt's time in Bulgaria presented adaptation challenges typical of an overseas move, including adjusting to a new football culture and environment away from . Watt's tenure ended prematurely in January 2020 when he mutually agreed to part ways with CSKA for personal and family reasons, becoming a . The departure allowed him to return closer to home, reflecting the difficulties of sustaining a professional career abroad amid personal circumstances.

Motherwell

Tony Watt signed for on a short-term contract until the end of the 2019–20 season in February 2020, arriving as a after departing CSKA . His early contributions, including a goal on debut against Hibernian, helped stabilize the team's attack during a relegation battle, with securing survival by finishing ninth in the . Impressed by his form, Motherwell extended Watt's deal in November 2020 until the summer of 2022, rewarding his integration into the squad as a versatile forward. Over the subsequent seasons, he became a cornerstone of the mid-table side, making 70 appearances and scoring 19 goals across all competitions from 2020 to his departure in January 2022. In the 2020–21 campaign, Watt featured in 44 matches, netting seven goals—including strikes in the —and provided key support in reaching the Scottish Cup quarter-finals, while earning the club's Player of the Year award for his consistent pressing and hold-up play. Watt's influence peaked in the first half of the 2021–22 season, where he scored nine league goals in 19 appearances, forming a productive with striker and helping climb to mid-table security before his transfer. His work rate and aerial presence were pivotal in the team's defensive solidity, contributing to clean sheets and survival without entering the relegation play-off. Additionally, he was voted 's Player of the Month for , , December 2020, and January 2021, highlighting his revival in Scottish football after earlier career setbacks.

Dundee United

Watt joined Dundee United from in January 2022, signing a three-year contract until the summer of 2025. After a loan spell at St Mirren during the second half of the 2022-23 season, where he made 11 appearances and scored 1 goal in the , he returned to Tannadice and established himself as a key attacking figure. Building on his goal-scoring reputation from his earlier time at , Watt formed a productive partnership with teammates, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output. In the 2023-24 season, Watt delivered his most impactful performances at the club, scoring 13 goals in 36 league appearances to become one of the division's joint-top scorers. His contributions were pivotal in Dundee United securing the title with 75 points from 36 matches, earning automatic promotion back to the for the 2024-25 campaign. Notable highlights included a against Thistle on 29 December 2023, his 30th birthday, which helped maintain momentum in the title race. With the team now in the top flight, Watt was loaned back to in August 2024 for the duration of the 2024-25 Premiership season, where he made 28 appearances and scored once. Upon his return to Dundee United in summer 2025 as his contract neared its end, Watt participated in pre-season activities, aiding the squad's preparations for the 2025-26 Premiership before departing as a .

Partick Thistle

In July 2025, following Dundee United's promotion to the Scottish Premiership as 2024-25 Championship winners, Tony Watt signed a two-year contract with Scottish Championship side Partick Thistle. The 31-year-old forward joined the club on a free transfer, reuniting with manager Mark Wilson, a former Celtic teammate, and expressed enthusiasm for contributing to the team's ambitions in the second tier. Watt made an immediate impact in the 2025-26 season, scoring his first goal for Partick Thistle on 15 July 2025 in a 2-0 group stage victory over . As of 14 November 2025, after 14 appearances—13 starts and one substitute outing—he had recorded 3 goals and 3 assists, while accumulating 995 minutes on the pitch. His contributions included key moments such as an early goal in a 1-0 win against Queen's Park on 30 September 2025, helping maintain the team's momentum. At 31, Watt has adapted swiftly to Partick Thistle's playing style, leveraging his extensive prior experience in Scottish football to integrate into the squad. His form has been instrumental in the team's strong early-season campaign, placing them second in the table with 28 points from 14 matches as of 14 November 2025, positioning Partick Thistle favorably for a promotion playoff spot. In an October 2025 interview, Watt noted that it took a few weeks to regain match sharpness after the summer break but emphasized his growing comfort and commitment to the club's push for elevation.

International career

Youth international career

Tony Watt represented Scotland at under-19, under-20, and under-21 levels. He began his youth international career with the Scotland under-19 team, making his debut on 12 May 2011 in a 0–1 friendly loss to . He earned three caps for the U19s in qualifiers, scoring one goal. His first goal came on 23 September 2011 in a 3–1 qualifying victory over . Watt also appeared in qualifiers against (a 1–2 loss on 21 September 2011) and (a 1–3 loss on 26 September 2011), contributing to Scotland's efforts in Group 8, though the team did not advance to the final tournament. Watt earned one cap for the U20 team in a friendly in , without scoring. He transitioned to the under-21 level in , making nine appearances and scoring five goals between and 2013, including during the qualifiers. His club form at Celtic aided his selections for these youth squads. Overall, Watt accumulated 13 youth caps and six goals.

Senior international career

Watt's senior international career with the national team has been limited to one , despite his earlier youth success. He was first called up to the senior squad in May 2013 by manager for a qualifier against on 7 June 2013 but did not feature in the 2–1 defeat in . Nearly three years later, Watt earned his senior debut on 24 March 2016 during a 1–0 friendly victory over the at , entering as a second-half substitute while on loan at Charlton Athletic. He was retained in the squad for the subsequent qualifier against on 7 June 2016 but remained an unused substitute in the 3–0 loss at Hampden. Watt's notable club form, including his goal against in the 2012 group stage, did not lead to further senior call-ups. As of November 2025, he has one without scoring. Intense competition from established forwards like and Steven Fletcher, alongside Watt's career instability involving multiple loans and transfers abroad, has contributed to his exclusion from subsequent squads under Strachan and later managers. Personal factors, including reported concerns over fitness and professionalism raised by former coaches, have further impacted his international opportunities.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Tony Watt married Gabriella Zecchino in a church ceremony in in June 2019, describing the event as the best day of his life. Following the wedding, Watt and his new wife relocated to , , to support his professional move to CSKA Sofia later that summer, where they settled into life abroad during his six-month stint with the club. In January 2020, Watt mutually terminated his contract with CSKA Sofia for reasons, prompting a return to and a short-term deal with ; this decision was influenced by the need to prioritize stability amid his nomadic . Watt's has provided consistent support throughout his transitions, including his parents Paul and , who celebrated his early successes like the 2012 goal against . As of 2025, Watt and Gabriella remain married, marking their sixth anniversary in June 2025, and continue to share a close partnership evident in public expressions of affection and mutual achievements, such as Gabriella's completion of a in Professional Legal Practice with distinction in 2022.

Media and public incidents

Tony Watt's memorable goal against in the 2012 UEFA Champions League group stage match propelled the 18-year-old Celtic substitute into the international spotlight, generating intense media hype and expectations that his career would skyrocket. The achievement, which secured a 2-1 victory over the defending champions, was hailed as a defining moment, but Celtic manager immediately cautioned Watt against allowing it to overshadow his development, warning of the psychological burden it could impose. Lennon later reflected that the sudden fame placed significant pressure on the teenager, contributing to perceptions of immaturity and inconsistent application in training. These pressures manifested in early career challenges, including questions about Watt's fitness and dedication, which drew public scrutiny from coaches and media. Watt has also encountered controversies on , where fan abuse has occasionally impacted his online presence. In June 2019, while at CSKA , he announced a break from after retweeting abusive messages directed at him, stating he had "had enough" of the negativity from detractors. Similar incidents arose during his time at and United, including public spats with club executives and fans over his transfers, which he later described as motivating him to prove critics wrong through performance. In contrast to these challenges, Watt has engaged in community efforts, particularly supporting food banks during his stint at Dundee United in 2021. As a native, he highlighted the vital role of local organizations in aiding those facing hardship, emphasizing his commitment to giving back to the community that shaped him.

Career summary

Career statistics

Tony Watt's professional club career statistics, as of November 14, 2025, encompass appearances and goals across domestic leagues, cups, and European competitions.

Club Statistics

Competition TypeAppearancesGoalsAssists
Domestic Leagues3877231
Domestic Cups3082
European Competitions510
Total4228133
ClubTotal AppearancesTotal GoalsTotal Assists
Airdrieonians2031
Celtic3485
Lierse1893
2132
Charlton Athletic56105
Cardiff City922
Blackburn Rovers1021
Heart of Midlothian1710
1220
St Johnstone3775
2051
1002013
St Mirren1111
Dundee United862014
Partick Thistle2043
Career Total4719756

International Statistics

Youth International Career

LevelAppearancesGoals
U1931
U2195
Total126

Senior International Career

LevelAppearancesGoals
10
Total10

Team Honours

Tony Watt won two titles with Celtic in the 2011–12 and 2012–13 seasons, making 3 appearances in the former and 20 in the latter. He also secured the with Celtic in 2012–13, featuring in one match during their successful campaign. With United, Watt contributed to their victory in the 2023–24 season, scoring 13 league goals to help secure promotion back to the Premiership.

Individual Awards

Watt earned the Scottish Football League Young Player of the Month award for December 2010 while on loan at Airdrie United from Celtic. He received the Scottish Premier League Young Player of the Month honour in August 2012 for his performances with Celtic. At Charlton Athletic, Watt was awarded Goal of the Month for February 2015 by the club. In the Scottish Premiership, Watt won the Player of the Month award for August 2018 with St Johnstone, where he scored six goals in five matches. During his time at Motherwell, he was voted fans' Player of the Month for January, August, September, and October 2021, marking four consecutive awards in the 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons. Additionally, Watt was named Motherwell's Player of the Year for the 2020–21 season.

References

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