WATT CAN BE VITAL SPARK

Valakari urges on-loan midfielder to maintain good form

- FRASER MACKIE

Simo Valakari has challenged Elliot Watt to continue reviving his St Johnstone loan spell against Kilmarnock tomorrow.

Watt starred as a scoring substitute in defeat to Motherwell last Saturday.

That marked the Burton Albion midfielder's fifth game for Saints, but his first appearance in two months.

Following two starts in victory over St Mirren and Hamilton, Watt's fortunes nose-dived at Rugby Park in his third outing.

He was caught in possession inside nine minutes as Liam Polworth sent Killie on the way to a convincing 3-1 win.

Watt then lasted just the first half of a 2-1 home loss to Hearts before a string of games as an unused substitute.

Valakari has warmed to the 25-year-old’s efforts in training, to adjust to the pace of the Scottish game - and desire for another chance to impress.