St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright has urged Tony Watt to get into the box more often after the striker scored a dramatic late winner.
Watt pounced with just a minute to go in Paisley against St Mirren to secure a deserved 1-0 victory for the visitors.
It was his first goal since late August and Wright hopes it will have given Watt renewed self-belief as he heads into Saturday’s clash with Dundee at Dens Park.
The Saints manager said: “The goal was from a quick throw-in, then a great cross and Tony was in an area of the pitch we want to see him in more often.
“He scored another header and I think that’s three this season now.
“I am pleased for him and for the rest of the players because it was a controlled performance rather than a brilliant performance.
“Tony has had to wait but I keep telling him that he has to get in the box more.
“That is because he is a good finisher.
“At times he wants to play too much outside the box but hopefully the penny will drop and he will see that I’m talking a bit of sense.
“He has an awful habit of saying ‘I can’t’ at times when it comes to headers. Well, he has scored a few now with his head and that’s something I hope continues.”
Wright felt his men were worthy of the three points from a game that wasn’t the best advert for festive football.
The first half, in particular, was poor but the Perth men powered on towards the end.
“I think we merited that,” said Wright.
“There wasn’t much in the first half but I thought we came and controlled the game.
“You are always worried because they (St Mirren) have quality players in terms of set-plays and deliveries.
“But I think in the last 20 minutes we were the side on the front foot and probably could have scored a couple of times.
“I am really pleased that we kept going and it was really quick thinking at the goal.
“I think that’s five away wins now but I think we had more a couple of season ago so let’s hope we get the sixth at Dundee on Saturday.
“The players worked hard and showed belief and when they have to defend they do it.
“We always fancy ourselves to score goals.
“We know how to win on the road and it’s no fluke that it’s another last-minute winner because we’ve done that before.”
