GRAHAM Alexander has confirmed he will continue to play Tony Watt if the striker remains at Motherwell after the January transfer window closes – including against Dundee United.

Fir Park manager Alexander confirmed earlier this month that Watt, the leading scorer in the cinch Premiership this season with nine goals, had signed a pre-contract agreement with the Tannadice club.

The former Scotland internationalist left the forward on the bench for the league meeting with Livingston on Boxing Day after it became public that he would be joining his side’s top flight rivals in the summer.

However, he held talks with the former Celtic, Lierse, Standard Liege, Charlton Athletic, Blackburn Rovers, Hearts and St Johnstone player last week and is confident he will be fully committed to Motherwell’s cause if he is still in North Lanarkshire in the second half of the season.

“Tony had been been off ill, but he was back in on Thursday morning and I had a 15 minute chat with him,” said Alexander.

“I had a conversation with him about why he’d been left out against Livingston after the news about his move to Dundee United – the timing of which has yet to be decided – became public knowledge.

“Tony’s assured me that he’ll crack on and be committed to Motherwell as long as he’s our player and that’s all I ask of anyone.

“All the players are at different stages of leaving the club – because they all do eventually, whether it’s next week, in six months or three years from now. But while they’re here I expect that commitment and I don’t anticipate anything different from Tony.

“I felt it was the right decision to take him out of the team for that one game because the story had just come out but, if he’s still here when we play Ross County on January 18, then he’ll be in contention.”

Motherwell are due to take on United, who are just six points behind them in the Premiership table, in a league game at Tannadice on February 9 and Alexander stressed that Watt will be in his starting line-up if he is fit and in form.

“There are always issues that can muddy the water and distract footballers but, ultimately, players want to train and play,” he said. “They’re paid to do that so, if Tony is still with us when we play United, I’d have no qualms whatsoever about picking him.

“That (freezing players out) is not my way. I saw that happen when I was a player and always thought it was completely unnecessary unless the person involved had been completely out of order.

“I didn’t see any point in it. I think you have to treat players as adults and, to be fair to Tony, he came to me to let me know that this was happening before anyone else knew anything about it.

“I’m pretty experienced and I can notice when players have become distracted or unmotivated but, as long as they show the right signs, I’d never cold-shoulder anyone.”

Alexander believes that Watt, who could join United if the Tayside club table a bid that Motherwell deem acceptable this month, will be determined to remain at the top of the Premiership scoring charts in the second half of the season regardless of where is playing his football. 

“I believe that Tony’s at an age and a stage in his career where he has the experience to be able to put all that to one side and concentrate on doing his job,” he said. “I think he wants to finish the season as the league’s highest goalscorer and that is still there for him, whether it’s with us or someone else.

“As I say to my players, I want them all to do well. I don’t take anything personally if they want to leave.  Every man has a right to are his choices in life and then stand by them. 

“Ultimately my main focus is on Motherwell the club. That’s what I’m here to do – to be the guardian of Motherwell’s best interests. But I think I can marry both up with the player and the club and get the best for both. 

‘I think you have to take each individual by how they behave personally. Tony has been up front with me. I’ve been up front with him right from day one. We’ll see how long that relationship continues for. Who knows?” 

Watt has played for no fewer than nine clubs in the last seven years and has spoken in the past about his happiness at Motherwell and his desire to settle. But Alexander can appreciate the reasons behind his decision. 

“I understand the contract he will sign is worth considerably more that we could offer,” he said. “That’s the scenario. 

“I’ve been there as a professional myself and you have to marry your professional ambitions and your love for your job and your club with providing for your family and your future. That decision can change as you get older and understand life and your career. 

“That’s why none of us can sit as managers and ex-players and say that the money side doesn’t come into it as we all want to earn good money and provide for our families.  There’s a balance. You only get one career and you want to finish it by playing in loads of games and scoring loads of goals and winning things. 

‘There’s always that. I don’t know every individual player’s personal circumstances and I certainly don’t know their mortgages, bank balances and outlays so I respect that every man has to make a decision in terms of what’s right for him. 

“I’m not disappointed either. Tony is fully committed to his football at Motherwell while he’s being paid by Motherwell. That’s the most you can ask for a player that while they are with you and representing the club that they give their utmost. He has talked about the home he’s found here but sometimes you have to move home.”