WATFORD are delighted to announce that midfielder Tom Cleverley has extended his loan period and signed for the Hornets until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old has been in sparkling form for Malky Mackay's men since signing in August, but had been due to return to Manchester United in January.

Instead, he will now spend the remainder of the campaign with the Golden Boys.

To date, Cleverley has appeared 14 times, finding the back of the net on six occasions.

The Basingstoke-born midfielder signed in time to make his debut against Nottingham Forest in August, making an immediate impact firing home in a fine win at The City Ground.

Cleverley will be eligible to play for the Hornets in the FA Cup, unless the 'Orns draw his parent club, Manchester United.

The former Leicester City loanee has also become a regular for Stuart Pearce's England Under-21 side, alongside Watford stopper Scott Loach and fellow Vicarage Road loanee and U21 newcomer, Henri Lansbury.

Speaking to www.watfordfc.com, Malky was a pleased manager.

The former centre half said: "I'm delighted to have secured Tom's services until the end of the season. The business was once again conducted in a correct and professional manner with Tom, his representative and Manchester United."

Since signing, Cleverley has become a firm favourite with the Vicarage Road faithful, and Malky believes his great start is a credit to many different parties.

"Sometimes it can take time for a player to settle in" said the Watford boss. "But, Tom has hit the ground running.

"That is down to Tom's hard work ethic, his desire and professionalism. It also a reflection upon the Club he has come from, while the coaches here have had a big part to play as well since his arrival."

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