Tony Watt shows Robbie Neilson his potential as Hearts beat Partick
Hearts boss Robbie Neilson believes Tony Watt can breathe fresh life into his career at Tynecastle - so long as he keeps his mind on football.
The former Celtic hitman opened his Jambos account with a stoppage-time winner against Partick Thistle as the Tynecastle men snatched a 2-1 win at Firhill.
It was a display which reminded on-lookers of the promise he showed during his Parkhead stint.
Watt has not always managed to maintain a professional outlook during spells in Belgium and down south - but Neilson believes he can now get the best out of the Scotland international after a change in attitude.
He said: ''We were desperate for Tony to get a goal. That was the reason I kept him on - a player of that calibre you keep him on the pitch to try and get you something. The movement, the take and the hit for the goal is top drawer. But he has to keep working hard. He's come in and taken to the group really well.He's a player who just loves playing football, so that's what we try and do. We try and keep him on the training pitch, playing and doing the things he enjoys. You can see the quality he brings. He can change a game for you in the space of half a second.''
Heart's afternoon got off to the perfect start when Wigan target Callum Paterson proved his worth by heading them in front after 17 minutes.
Wigan have already had two bids rejected by Tynecastle chiefs, who are refusing to budge on their £1million-plus valuation for the Scotland international.
But Neilson insists he has options in his squad to cope if Latics boss Gary Caldwell does meet the asking price.
''You can see his power,'' said Neilson ''We worked all day to try and play through, break them down and pass our way across the back, but we couldn't get through. Then we get a good set play, good movement and sometimes you need to score goals that way too. A club put a couple of offers in and they know what we're looking for, as do the agents. Until someone comes in and meets that valuation, the player will stay with us. If they do meet it, it's up to us to try and get some cover in there. We've got Liam Smith who can play for us, and he's ready to take over the mantle.''
Liam Lindsay levelled for Thistle 10 minutes into the second period when he powered a header of his own in off the bar but Watt left Thistle deflated when he slammed home the decisive strike in the first minute of stoppage time.
Jags keeper Tomas Cerny complained he had been barged in the build-up but replays failed to show evidence of a foul.
Maryhill manager Alan Archibald said: ''I think it was harsh on us. A draw was a fair result. We did enough to merit at least a point. There are positives to take but not at the moment, it's still a bit sore. The manner of the goal is disappointing too. Tomas has got a decent punch on it but the boy has blocked the clearance, so it's disappointing because I thought we were comfortable defensively. They didn't cut us open in the second half and I felt we looked likely to get the winner.''