Teen in Old Firm contention as Stuart McCall hits out at Steve Jennings doubters

The 18-year-old striker replaced Pawel Brozek in the 59th minute and volleyed in a Victor Wanyama cross three minutes later from a tight angle, before driving low past goalkeeper Darren Randolph from the edge of the box.

Speaking to Sky Sports at full-time, the teenager said: “I just wanted to make my debut, scoring two just makes it even better.”

Watt has a good record against Motherwell at under-19 level, and added: “I got four against them last time, so two against the senior team is a great double.”

Watt’s place among the substitutes was only confirmed shortly before the game, meaning his family were unable to watch him step out at Fir Park. “No, I didn’t know I was on bench,” he said. “But I’m sure they’ll have been watching on TV.”

Celtic assistant manager Johann Mjallby, standing in for manager Neil Lennon who is serving a two-match suspension from touchline duties, said Watt could even feature against Rangers next week because of his progress.

“He is definitely going to be in our thoughts,” said Mjallby.

“If the boy comes on and scores twice for you in a very tough game against Motherwell then obviously he is going to be in our thoughts.

“We had Georgios Samaras out, Anthony Stokes didn’t get on, we have Mo Bangura, Pawel Brozek and Gary Hooper, so competition is there.

“But we have had our eyes on Tony for some time. He has done really well for the under-19s and the development team. He is a strong, powerful boy and obviously he likes to get into the box and score goals. We are delighted for him. The main thing is he has to keep his feet in the ground but the lad has a great future.”

Midfielder Joe Ledley paid tribute to his young team-mate, saying: “He deserves his chance, he’s a great goalscorer and it’s a pleasure to work with him every day.

“We were unlucky in the first half not to get a goal but this man comes on and gets two – his family’ll be delighted with him.”

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall, meanwhile, chose yesterday’s post-match press conference to hit out at the “hierarchy” in Scottish football who had called for Steve Jennings to be suspended after he was questioned by police investigating an alleged football betting scam.

Speaking after Jennings was a stand-out player for Motherwell despite the defeat, McCall said: “Can you remember the furore when it first came out, and when he got arrested from his bed pre-Christmas? There was talk by some party, and I can’t remember if it was the SFA or whatever, wanting to suspend him. Can you imagine if we had suspended him? All charges now dropped – absolutely crazy.

“I spoke to him when I first came into the club, and he said it was ridiculous and he had nothing to answer for, and that’s always been the case. I think the club was under pressure at certain points from certain members of the hierarchy in Scotland actually wanting to suspend him. Can you imagine if we had suspended him and he had missed a dozen games or so and then all the charges are dropped?

“It’s been a cloud hanging over him but it’s not affected his football. The club stood by him and he has been terrific for the club.”

Yesterday’s captain Stevie Hammell was adamant that he and all the other players had no doubts about Jennings’ innocence.

“I speak to Jenno every single day and I’ve never spoken to him about it,” said Hammell.

“I have never for one second doubted him and I didn’t have the cheek to ask him about it.

“I know Jenno, we’re good mates, and I know it’s just something he has found himself caught up in and he has dealt with it tremendously. It probably has been playing on his mind but you wouldn’t notice the difference.”