The Model A has a self engaging starter drive that spins the gear into the flywheel when the motor runs. Not sure how the starter drive on a '54 works, but the stomp starter linkage on my '51 requires the linkage to push the drive gear into engagement. If you just push the button on the switch, the motor just spins without the gear engaging. I think you'd need a starter that uses a solenoid to push the drive gear into engagement.
I look at the stomp starter as a security feature.
