TONY WATT'S perceived lack of condition has been the subject of much discussion on both sides of the North Sea since the Celt moved to Belgium on loan.

Neil Lennon and Lierse boss, Stanley Menzo, have had their say, along with Scotland Under-21 coach Billy Stark.

All agree the 19-year-old striker needs to work harder, and Stark has left him out of his squad for the European qualifiers against Slovakia at St Mirren Park tomorrow and in Georgia on Monday.

He has made it clear the door has been left open for Watt to return. But on this occasion Stark feels it will be more beneficial to look at other strikers who have been catching the headlines.

He said: "Tony is the same as everyone else in that I never write anyone off.

"But, for this game, it's an opportunity for the likes of Stevie May (St Johnstone), Mark Beck (Carlisle) and Calum Paterson (Hearts) to prove they can do it at this level."

While Watt has had to contend with criticism, another Celt out on loan, Callum McGregor, has been showered with praise since he accepted the opportunity to get first-team football at Notts County.

And Stark is a fully-paid-up member of the attacking midfielder's fan club.

"Callum's a fantastic footballer and Celtic rate him highly," said the Under-21 boss.

"They were keen to get him out on loan to prove himself. I've watched him twice in the last month and he's done exceptionally well in both games.

"He has terrific composure and has a goal in him, so he's a welcome addition to the squad."

Stark will need as many players as possible to bring their good club form to the international arena as they attempt to bounce back after a mauling against England and a heavy defeat to Holland.

He said: "This double header, and the Georgia game at home next month, will be critical.

"Georgia also play Holland tomorrow and Slovakia play Holland in November, so this five-week period will provide an idea of how the group is going. There is very little margin for error.

"It's my job to put across to my players that we are in a position where we feel we probably would be.

"We need to take all of the good things from the Holland game into the match with Slovakia, who are a good side.

"They are attack-minded, so I'd be surprised if they came here to defend. But this is a tie which we feel we need to win."

Tickets for the game are available for £5/£2 when purchased in advance from St Mirren. A youth group offer is also available - with five adult and 20 kids tickets costing £30. Details at www.scottishfa.co.uk