Celtic trialist could be Liverpool's new Scottish King

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing 16-year-old Airdrie United striker Tony Watt after he impressed in an under-17 friendly.

Watt has been training with Celtic and since last week and Glasgow rivals Rangers are also set to take him on trial in the near future.

Liverpool scouts were alerted to the youngster's potential after watching him play for Celtic under-17s against the Anfield club and have been impressed.

The Auld Firm have also liked what they have seen and will be desperate to challenge Liverpool for the signing Watt.

Airdrie boss Jimmy Boyle has given Watt 13 games for the first team and he has netted twice - and the gaffer believes the attention is great for the player and the club.

"We received lots of positive feedback from Celtic. They say he worked very hard. Rangers want to take a look at him as well, so he will go in there for a couple of days," Boyle said.

"If it's going to improve his fitness and help his football education then it's going to benefit Airdrie."

Liverpool have put a new emphasis on youth since John W Henry bought the club and manager Roy Hodgson has been blooding the young talent they currently have at the club.

The likes of Martin Kelly, Jonjo Shelvey, Nathan Eccleston and Jay Spearing have been given run outs at Anfield this season and the club are obviously looking to the future if they are to make an offer for Watt.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.