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Daily Record
Sport
Ben Banks

Celtic could have Motherwell forward trouble as Sutton talks up exciting duo

Former Motherwell striker John Sutton can sense plenty of positivity surrounding Motherwell duo Tony Watt and Kevin Van Veen ahead of this weekend's Premiership match with Celtic.

Watt has been tipped to reach the Scotland squad after opening his Premiership account for the season with four goals in eight league games ahead of facing ex-club Celtic on Saturday.

Van Veen meanwhile - nicknamed 'Budget Bergkamp' - has excited fans with his technical ability since joining from Scunthorpe United in the summer.

Sutton scored 78 goals for Motherwell over two spells and can see plenty of good signs from the duo prior to this weekend's match. The Steelmen are currently fourth in the league.

Sutton knows what it takes to secure a big result. (SNS Group)

"Motherwell have started really well, certainly in terms of results," said Sutton. "I still keep in touch with a few of the fans at Motherwell.

"I think they would say performances have been decent. It hasn't been absolutely free-flowing football, but the results have been very good.

"I haven't watched every game but I know there is a lot of excitement about Kevin Van Veen and Tony Watt. The front players seem to be doing really well.

"It was a brilliant result against Rangers (a 1-1 draw) and another one against Aberdeen (a 2-1 win). The league looks as if it's going to be very tight this season.

"So for Motherwell to get off to such a good start and put themselves right up there at the top end is great for them.

"I have a real soft for them so I hope they can finish top six, which is tremendous for a club of Motherwell's size."

Graham Alexander's side are two places and one point above Celtic ahead of the Fir Park showdown on Saturday.

Sutton famously scored a double in Motherwell's 2-0 victory over Celtic in 2011 and has explained the traits which can inspire a big win.

"I think you need to have a bit of everything," explained Sutton. "You need players who can score you a good few goals and you need to defend really well.

"You need to be on top of your game. When Celtic are firing on all cylinders with their creativity, they are top players.

"I don't know if luck is the right expression, but you certainly need the ball to bounce in your favour."

Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.

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