ROSS Jenkins returned to first team action on Sunday during the Hornets' FA Cup tie against Chelsea following a back injury that kept him out of play since October.

The talented youngster joined the game after half time at Stamford Bridge and was pleased to get his first 45 minutes under his belt, despite the 5-0 scoreline.

"It was good to get back" said Jenkins.

"It would have been nice to get a couple of reserve games and a few halves here and there, but there wasn't the chance, so I had my 45 minutes at Chelsea and now hopefully I can go back to playing more often.

"It was a harsh score but we were playing against top players so we were expecting them to show us what they were about.

"First goals are key and to concede in the first 4 minutes hurts the team. We got the first goal last season and that gave us a boost, but this time it just knocked us.

"We had nothing to lose, we had to go out there, try and get a goal but they're a different class - it's hard to match up to England internationals like Lampard and Terry."

Jenkins comes on against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

The Watford-born midfielder explained how the Chelsea game had given him the perfect opportunity for a return.

"It's frustrating after being out for such a long time and having to watch the boys doing well in their games, rather than be involved myself, so it was great to get my boots back on, get back to playing and in time to face a team like Chelsea.

"Chelsea are a world class team at the end of the day and you've just got to do your best and try and match them, but as you saw on Sunday, they got away from us a lot.

"It was amazing to get the chance to play such a team and at their own stadium, that was a bonus at my age as well."

Jenkins has earned 15 first team appearances for the Golden Boys as well as a start for the England U20s squad this season and the 19 year-old re-iterated his relief at the timing of his injury, which any later in a player's career, could have been career-ending.

"No-one wants to get injured, but I'm glad I've had it happen now.

"I'd hate for it to happen in a couple of years time and for it be a career-threatening injury when I'm older and hopefully in my prime.

"It's good to get it out of the way now and I can move on.

"Now my focus is getting more games and we'll go from there."

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