ACADEMY defender Lee Hodson has been enjoying every minute of his pre-season with the Hornets and is now eager to have an opportunity with the first-team again, after making his debut at the tail end of last season.

The full back is included in the Watford squad for the Carling Cup first round game with Barnet at Underhill this evening (Tuesday).

The Northern Irishman has already signed a professional contract with the Golden Boys after impressing in both the Academy and Reserve teams.

Having played under Malky Mackay when he was manager of the second string, Hodson feels the ex-Norwich City defender is the right man to take Watford forward.

"I like the way he coaches and the way he wants to play" revealed the talented teenager.

"In the youth team last season we wanted to get down and play football and Malky wants to do exactly the same with the first team now."

The young defender has been training with the first-team since pre-season and also played a part in the club's trip to Spain.

"At first I was a bit shy being around the senior pros, but they made me feel really comfortable and as a result, I think I've come out of my shell a lot."

Hodson in action for the first team against Derby County

"It does help having the likes of Eddie [Oshodi], Dale [Bennett] and Marvin [Sordell] around.

"It was a good experience constantly being around the first-team, going on tour and playing with them.

"Playing against Lleida and seeing how the Spanish play football is a challenge, but it helps just watching them in action in those situations.

"It's good just knowing you are around the first team and finding out how they want to play this season and what they are aiming for.

"All the coaches and players have helped me a lot during pre-season, especially the senior ones. They give me their opinions and I take it on board because they have the experience."

Hodson made his debut against Derby County as a second half substitute on the last day of the 2008/09 season and he is now hoping to see more first-team action this season.

"I was aiming to be in the squad for the game against Doncaster and I was delighted" the Watford-born youngster added.

"I even made the bench as well!  Hopefully in the cup against Barnet, I can make the bench again.

"Once you're a regular on the bench it's about trying to push on to get a regular start.

"You've got to start by making the bench and going on from there."

The Carling Cup has proved to be a platform for developing the talents of Ross Jenkins and Scott Loach in recent years and Hodson is now hoping he can make the same impact on the team like his teammate Jenkins has.

"It gives me a boost looking at how Jenko made his debut in the Carling Cup" said Hodson.

"I think it was in November when he started to become a regular in the first team, so it inspires me.

"Thinking that he did it last season and if I try to give my best and impress Malky, then maybe I could have that chance to seize.

And if not, I just keep working hard to get into the first team."

The 17-year-old commented that playing in the first team was a different kettle of fish compared to the youth team, but the youngster is confident he can make the step up.

"It's more physical than the youth team and you're playing against men now" said the full back.

"Coming off the bench you realise you are up against stronger people. The tempo, the intensity and the quality is good.

"Everyone in training looks sharp and I think as a squad we've had a good pre-season and hopefully we can take that into the league and the other competitions."

Article by Manish Patel 

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