WATFORD'S Academy has a history of developing great talent and the future certainly looks promising for second year scholar Robert Kiernan as he can now concentrate on his fooball after having the 'burden' of gaining a contract lifted from his shoulders.

The 17-year-old has caught the eye of Academy staff with a number of impressive performances at centre half, after moving back from his natural position of central midfield.

Along with fellow second year scholars Billy Gibson and Ross Jenkins, Kiernan signed a 'developmental contract' with the Hornets - which sees him at Vicarage Road until at least the end of the 2009/10.

The contracts allow the young players to develop and concentrate on their football without the burden and pressure that can sometimes adversely affect performance in the last year of a scholar.

Recalling the moment he found out about the contract, Kiernan says he was "over the moon" and delighted to have his immediate future sorted, "I can relax more now. I don't have that burden on me thinking I've got to do well," he added.

Now enjoying himself as a second year scholar, he knows all about what it is like for the new set of lads coming in this year.

He said: "It was a big step from leaving school and you're not used to training five times a week with a game on Saturday.

"It's quite physically demanding, but it's daily life now. I don't look at it like a job anymore, it's what I love.

"Last year I was new to everything and some other lads played in my position but I kept training hard. This year I've been captain for a few games and captain at the Milk Cup which was a good tournament. I'm pleased with the way it's going at the moment."

He has also had to adjust to playing in a new position, moving from central midfield to centre half, something which he has taken in his stride, "I think I've adapted quite well to it, I've still got to learn a lot positionally and tactically, but I'm doing well to be honest."

The decision to move him to the back was to make use of his physical and aerial presence, and Kiernan has no complaints about playing in defence.

Kiernan in action for the under 18s

He commented: "It gives me more time on the ball; to try and find long range passes. It may be a permanent position, but it's not a problem if I have to move back to midfield. But it's improved my defensive game at the moment so I'm enjoying it."

His current career highlight would undoubtedly be his performances in the Milk Cup in July. The prestigious tournament held in Northern Ireland.

Featuring teams such as Manchester United, Boavista and Borussia Dortmund, Kiernan was proud to captain his side in the older age group of the competition.

Kiernan got his name on the scoresheet in the first two games in Northern Ireland. After losing to eventual tournament winners Manchester United 4-2 in the semi-finals, the Golden Boys secured a third place finish after beating Hearts 2-1.

There was further good news for Kiernan, as after a pre-season game against Arsenal, he got a call up to the Republic of Ireland under 19s team to take part in the inaugural four-nations international tournament against Portugal, Spain and Ukraine.

However, in a cruel twist of fate, the Irish youngster had to withdraw after sustaining an injury.

Frustrated and disappointed at the time, he reflects by saying: "It got me down a bit, I was supposed to be flying out on the Sunday, but during the week I tore my right thigh muscle. It's one of those things."

In the meantime, he is now concentrating on league action for the under 18s and outings with the second string too under the guidance of boss Malky Mackay. 

When available the Irishman has been handed the captain's armband by Sean Dyche and Academy boss Mark Warburton.

He commented: "It is another role that you've got to do, but I quite like it. I like the responsibility of it. Sometimes if you're not quite on top of your game, you've got to make sure you're pushing your teammates along. If you dip, you can't allow anyone else to dip."

As for his own personal development, Kiernan has already made an appearance for the reserves against Charlton, which is clearly another step up for him.

He added: "You are playing people that are five or six years older than you, so physically it can be hard.

"But I don't think there is a big difference on the technical or tactical side, it's just obviously their presence, and they're all going to be quicker and more powerful.

"But it's just how you deal with it. To be honest, they're not anything different to me; they're just maybe a couple years older and more experienced. I've got to just deal with that."

Having now tasted reserve team football and with his drive and determination, it comes as no surprise that Kiernan is thirsty for more, already setting himself some targets.

The youngster said: "I want to try and keep a regular place in the reserves; captain the youth team for the rest of the season and I hope we do well in the Youth Cup as well."

With the manager happy to give young players first team opportunities, Kiernan knows that if he is good enough, the call up will come sooner rather than later, "There is a pathway; it's about how quickly I want to get there. It's up to me really."

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