Askou says Elliot Watt has shown the right qualities at Motherwell to be on Scotland's radar as selection time nears
The latest season at Fir Park has put Elliot Watt firmly in the conversation for international selection. Motherwell’s central midfielder played a pivotal role in the side’s run to fourth place in the Scottish Premiership, helping secure a route into Conference League qualifiers.
Manager Jens Berthel Askou has publicly highlighted Watt’s progress, arguing the 26-year-old has the technical and tactical attributes that could translate to international football under Steve Clarke. Watt’s peers also noticed his form: he was one of five Motherwell players named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year, an acknowledgement of consistent high-level performances.
While final national team selections lie with the Scotland coaching staff, Askou stresses that Watt is on the selectors’ radar. The manager points to the player’s ability to control the midfield in a defensive pivot role, his composure in possession and his improving physical output.
Watt is not a newcomer to the national setup — he has previous experience at U21 level for Scotland — and Askou believes those foundations, combined with his recent club trajectory, make him a sensible candidate for consideration as squads are finalised ahead of the global tournament.
Why Elliot Watt stands out at club level
At Motherwell, Watt has been deployed primarily in a disciplined defensive midfield role, where the emphasis is on ball circulation, shielding the defence and initiating attacks. Askou describes Watt as a player who can “play football” in tight spaces and maintain a high level of performance week after week. His inclusion in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year reflects how opponents and colleagues view his contributions. Beyond statistics, his influence has been felt in transitional phases of play — winning possession, picking forward passes and allowing the team to retain structure when under pressure. That blend of tactical awareness and technical calm is the core of Askou’s argument for international consideration.
How Motherwell’s coaching approach has accelerated player development
Askou attributes part of the club’s recent upward movement to a focus on nurturing players who are entering their peak years. He prefers working with footballers in their early to mid-20s — a phase he sees as decisive for unlocking potential. By combining targeted coaching, opportunities for first-team exposure and an environment that encourages responsibility, Motherwell have helped several individuals make marked improvements. Players such as Emmanuel Longelo and others in the same age bracket have benefitted from this model. Askou highlights that when players commit to improving mindset and physical metrics, performance jumps visibly and quickly, which in turn raises the club’s competitiveness.
Tactical philosophy and the role of young professionals
Askou’s system asks midfielders to be multifunctional: protect the back line, manage tempo and support progressive play. For a player like Watt, that means mastering the fundamentals of the number six role while also being adaptable to different match scenarios. The manager believes that the right mental approach combined with match experience produces a player ready to step into higher-level competition. That adaptability, according to Askou, is one reason the national team staff will keep a close eye on those performing consistently in the Premiership.
Comparative examples and international pathways
Askou points out contemporary examples to underscore his argument: players of Watt’s age who have matured into dependable pros and earned international recognition. He mentions teammate comparisons and references peers who have taken similar routes into major tournaments. One immediate contemporary contrast is Eli(jah) Just — a player of the same age — who is heading to the World Cup with New Zealand, illustrating how players in this bracket can emerge on the global stage. Askou uses these parallels to show the pathway is open for those who seize it.
What selection could mean for Watt and Motherwell
If Scotland’s staff were to include Watt in their plans, the implications would be twofold. For the player, it would represent validation of recent progress and offer a platform to test his game against elite international opponents. For Motherwell, having internationals in the squad boosts the club’s profile and highlights its developmental credentials. Askou emphasizes a pragmatic view: he wants his players to continue improving over the summer so they return stronger, whether or not they are selected. His overriding message is confidence in Watt’s trajectory and a belief that the midfielder has the necessary components to be assessed seriously for national duty.
Final thoughts from the manager
Askou avoids dictating national team choices but is clear about his evaluation. He believes Watt has earned attention due to consistent performances, technical competence and ongoing development. While the ultimate decision rests with the Scotland coaching staff, Askou expects that selectors are aware of Watt and other standout performers in the domestic league. He remains proud of how his squad has grown and hopeful that individual advances will be recognised at the next level.
