One-time Millers target grabs plaudits

The 18-year-old Glasgow Celtic ace was the subject of a £250,000 approach from the Millers during the summer and nearly joined the club on loan until a change of heart from manager Neil Lennon.

But Watt's career and reputation has been lifted to a different level after be came off the bench to net a crucial second goal in Celtic's 2-1 win over the mighty Barcelona at Parkhead on Wednesday night.

It came just hours after Steve Evans was given permission to talk to a new striker, the latest move in his long pursuit of a proven scorer.

But the Millers chief had a knowing smile after he watched Watt help bring down the best club side in the world.

The Scot, a lifelong Celtic fan, told the Advertiser: "I sat there and watched Tony Watt with pride because he's a big talent and Rotherham United know all about him.

"Our chief scout watched him in three U18s games last season and I went to see him score twice against Motherwell. We offered to buy him for £250,000 or take him on loan because we felt we could aid his development.

"Neil Lennon was happy with that but then he missed out on one of his own targets and opted to keep the lad in the door there and I respected the decision.

"Now he's gone and scored the winner against Barcelona in the Champions League, I suppose we won't be signing him!"

The Millers chase a fifth win in sixth in all competitions away to improving Dagenham and Redbridge tomorrow.