WHILST much of Malky Mackay's team selection remains similar to that of the previous manager Aidy Boothroyd at this time, there's one new kid on the block who might just be set to oust the old-guard and make his name in the middle of the park.

Ross Jenkins - no relation to the original Hornets' hero - has made the Carling Cup his own this season playing in all four rounds and, in the process, helping Watford to four straight wins, which is no bad start to anyone's career.

But his next ambition is to become a league starter under the leadership of his new boss, as Malky's troops march up to Barnsley this afternoon for their next Championship assignment.

If Jenkins is involved it will be his first ever league start for the 'Orns, which might pose a different proposition for him, as he explains: "I have played a lot of Carling Cup games, but a league game may be different."

Bearing number 35 on his back the central midfielder has done more than enough to impress Mackay in his short stint as caretaker boss, Ross is keen to point to a positive relationship with the Scotsman, with whom he has worked under for the reserve side.

"Me and Malky get along and he tells me what I am doing well and what I need to do to get in the team," said the 17-year old.

"If I keep doing what he says and what he wants I've every chance of staying in.

"I think it's better now in terms of communication, as in we get along more and he talks to me and tells me what I need to do basically, and encourages me a bit more.

"I have been with him at reserve games and he encourages me more and more."

Speaking of encouragement it's not only the gaffer that's generating some teen-spirit, as Ross is finding advice is forthcoming from all around.

"Me and Lee Williamson have good communication, so if one goes, one will sit.

"Normally it's him that goes and I sit, which I don't mind because I like getting on the ball and seeing the whole picture. It allows Willo to get forward and get goals, which I haven't really seen him do before.

"I have a role that sees me help the defence out. Normally if they [the opposition] have a floater, I deal with him. With me as a screen it's another line of defence, another person to break down, which is stability for the team and a good backbone.

"Willo's at the side of me, Jay [DeMerit] is at the back of me and Tommy Smith and Jobi [McAnuff] are always talking to me.

"They keep praising me and lifting my morale which is good in the game as I get confident and keep the ball more. It's good advice and good experience as they know what they're talking about."

Winning start... Watford have won every game featuring Ross

It's easy to forget that Jenkins is as young as it gets in the first-team fold, and Tuesday's trip to Swansea was the first time he'd even played away from Vicarage Road, as the Hornets were victorious in Swansea's Liberty Stadium.

"When I got told I was playing I got very excited," said the Academy graduate.

"I was shocked at first as it was the fourth round and a big game, but I played, not at my best, but we came out with a win.

"It's a different surrounding and a big crowd, although it's not so good when the crowd is getting on you. You haven't got as many fans backing you up so you have to build your own momentum up.

"It helps when you get momentum in a game and the crowd get behind you and lift spirits."

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