ADRIAN Mariappa has today committed his future to the Hornets by agreeing a new two-year contract with the club.

The Harrow-born defender is looking to finalise the deal after negotiations between Watford and the player came to a close at the end of last week.

Mariappa has enjoyed a successful season with the Golden Boys and has cemented a first-team spot under the leadership of Brendan Rodgers.

Talking defence: Mariappa with Malky Mackay

Under the stewardship of Rodgers, Mariappa will be able to develop at the club he joined as a youngster.

"Adrian is someone I think who will grow over the next few years because of how we want to play" said Rodgers.

"You'll start to see things in him that you may not have seen before.  I've enjoyed working with him because he's a learner.

"I'm not interested with having players who think they know everything and don't want to listen and learn.  

"He's the opposite to that, he's hungry and got a thirst to learn everyday, he loves Watford and loves being here."

The 22-year-old has made 45 appearances in 2008/09 and also found the back of the net for the very first time, scoring against promotion winners Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Rodgers: "Adrian's got hunger and a thirst to learn"

To date, Mariappa has turned out on over a 100 occasions for the Golden Boys.

Mariappa is a former Academy captain and has played both as a right-back and a centre-half for the first team since making his debut in August 2005.

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