AS the young guns experience top tier opponents during their matches against Chelsea and Tottenham, former Academy lad Lee Hodson had his first taste of first team football with his debut against Derby on Sunday.

"It was a good experience" said the rookie defender, "obviously I was nervous before coming on."

"I just wanted to keep it simple and take no chances"

"Brendan said before the game that he would try and get me on so I knew that I might be playing part of the game, and I did.  I think it's hard because you've got to get a good first touch and you have to get going and get into the game by showing you have confidence.

"You have to block out the crowd, and just concentrate on the game as I usually do with the reserves or the academy teams."

Hodson said that he had many thoughts running through his head as he stood on the touchline.  "I wanted to just get on and impress" he said "to try to do my best and keep it simple and take no chances."

Hodson now joins the list of Academy players that have made it into the first team at Watford FC, akin the likes of Tommy Smith, Lloyd Doyley, Adrian Mariappa and Richard Lee.  With these types of role models around, Hodson has plenty of experienced players to look up to.

Hodson is looking to impress the manager

"Hopefully starting next season I can impress the manager again and in pre-season get on the bench for a couple of friendlies to get a place in the squad for next season."

Manager Brendan Rodgers echoed how important it was for young players to be given a chance in these types of situations.

"Congratulations to him and he hopefully has a big career ahead of him. You always need your manager to give you an opportunity and he's got it today and done well.

"He was excellent against Derby, he's a 17 year old and when I first came to Watford, they told me about him," said the gaffer. "I watched his behaviour around the place, his mentality and performances. Then seeing him when he came on, he looked comfortable and intelligent on the ball."

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