PAUL Lambert believes Tony Watt will be able to fulfil his potential at Blackburn Rovers if he matches his ‘incredible talent with hard work’.

The former Celtic starlet made a dream start to his Rovers career when he scored one and set-up one in last Saturday’s 3-0 FA Cup win at Oxford United.

Lambert was full of praise for the debutant’s display and was delighted that was also recognised by the travelling supporters who chanted his name throughout.

But the Rovers boss believes that Watt, who made his name when he scored Celtic’s winner in their Champions League victory over reigning European kings Barcelona in 2012, needs to get fitter.

And he also believes the on-loan Charlton Athletic striker needs to apply himself more to become the player he has promised to since bursting on to the scene as a teenager.

Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Lambert said: “Tony has got an incredible talent for a footballer and if marries that talent with hard work then he’s got a fantastic career in front of him.

“We have to get that into his game but you saw glimpses of what he can do on Saturday and it was clear he became a big hero with the fans – and that’s not bad for a debut and an hour or so.

“He’s been through a lot in his career already. At 18 the goal against Barcelona put him into stardom and maybe he lost his way a little bit.

“But’s he an incredible talent, a really fantastic footballer, and we have to get what we have seen out there more often.

“We’ll make sure we look after him and nurture him. He’s only 22 years of age; he’s only a kid.”

Lambert was also impressed with Watt’s strike-partner Simeon Jackson against Oxford.

The former Norwich City manager said: “Simeon was unplayable on his first start. It was a terrific performance.

“I worked with him before at Norwich and I knew what he could do. He lost his way a bit after going to Germany, and to be fair to him not many people would have taken that step to go to Germany, but he did that, came back, and lost his way a little bit, but I know exactly what he can do.”