Premiership star backed as Scotland World Cup squad wildcard as 'absolutely flying' ace only going one way

The national team boss will name his squad for the tournament in America, Canada and Mexico this Tuesday, and he has big decisions to make. Squad regulars of recent times are expected to be included but there are always room for surprises. One of those hoping to be in contention is Watt, who was one of five Motherwell players voted into PFA Scotland’s Team of the Year, amid an outstanding season for the Fir Park side.

He’s been key to Askou’s team finishing fourth in the Premiership and unlocking Conference League qualifiers in the summer. Watt featured for Scotland at U21s level and his work in the number six position was recognised by his peers. Whether Clarke feels as strongly remains to be seen but Askou has no doubt the former Wolves talent has all the tools required.

What Motherwell player could be in Steve Clarke’s Scotland World Cup squad?

”I'm just guessing here because I've had no contact,” said Askou. “I don't like trying to influence or tell other coaches who they need to pick, that's their job. I think he's done enough to be on the radar and I think the staff for the national team, they're well aware of him and his qualities as they are about everyone else, especially in the Scottish Premiership, but also who's Scottish.

“So I would be surprised if they are not looking at him still and saying, look, if someone is not ready, then at least there's a good player there we can bring. He can play football, he's shown at a very high level and he is absolutely flying, and he's just getting better and better every week. Personally, I would want him to keep going over the summer so he's even better when he comes back from holiday, but we'll see."

Elijah Just is the same age as Watt, 26, and is heading for the World Cup with New Zealand. Players in their age range are stars Askou loves working with as he believes part of Motherwell’s success has been tapping into the potential the likes of Watt had in their youth careers.

What has been key to Motherwell success under Jens Berthel Askou?

"It's been a phenomenal development, especially in an age where you sometimes think, well, do they take these steps at 25, is it too late? I actually like working with these 24, 25, something like 23, 24, 25-year-olds, because they're at a stage where it's now or never,” explained Askou. “They've accumulated some experience, they've learned some harsh lessons, some of them.

“So I see he was a big talent when he was young who just hasn't really pushed the maximum and got the maximum out of it. And there's still time at that age, and you see a few changes in terms of mindset that affects your whole ability to perform physically, lifts you to the next level, and it's been fantastic to see his development. Emmanuel Longelo is another one in that age group. Eli Just, we have a few. Lukas Fadinger, Oscar Priestman coming in, he's still got a couple of years before he's as old as... I can probably name a few more.

“It's just great to see, Stephen Welsh is also, I think, in that age group. Tom Sparrow, 23-years-old. You just... how old is Calum Ward? 25, I think. There's so many of them, where other clubs have gone It's not going to happen, it's not really going to... but if you really trust them and they really decide... then you can see a massive development over a very short period. We feel really blessed and lucky that the group we've had here have made up their mind to, first of all, come here and invest in the club, but also in their own development. It's lifted the club up to a new level."

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