WITH eight players away on international duty this week alongside many squad members taking part in yesterday's (Tuesday) reserve game, boss Malky Mackay took the opportunity to combine training for both the remaining squad members and the club's younger Academy scholars.
The youngsters trained with a handful of first-team players including Martin Taylor, Adrian Mariappa, Lloyd Doyley, Don Cowie, John Eustace, Jon Harley and Danny Graham.
Older scholars such as Eddie Oshodi, Andy Yiadom and Piero Mingoia took part in the 5-0 win for the second string over Southend United at Roots Hall, but it meant many of the scholars stepping up to face older players in training.
Boss Malky Mackay spoke to www.watfordfc.com about the experience.
He said: "I'm a great believer that our Academy scholars should be able to mingle and be around the same areas as our first-team players.
"They can then see how they perform and the intensity at which they train."
First-year professional Marvin Sordell was also back with the Hornets for a day before returning north once more to link up with Tranmere Rovers for another month.
In the past youngsters such as Lee Hodson and Ross Jenkins have trained with the first-team on their way to becoming regulars in that group.
This time it was a big step-up for the remaining scholars - who will have seen just what is required of them if they want to make a career in the game.
"It gives them an idea of the level they've got to get to" admitted Malky.
"I think some clubs have separate areas and the Academy never get to see how professional footballers act, both on and off the pitch.
"It is important, we're all on our site together and now and again we take one or two to train with the first-team squad.
"But, this week I felt that with the amount of players we had away on international duty, coupled with the reserve team fixture, it was beneficial to bring the first-team and the Academy together."
"Our youngsters get a taste of it and it gives them a little boost - it also becomes quite apparent the levels they have to achieve to play like that every day.
"On one side it's a little eye opener and on the other side it's a little fillip.
"They had a first-team session and got the same treatment and exercises, as if I'd just had the first-team squad there.
"I think it's important that Academy players view older players at close-hand.
"If you follow a certain recipe there's a good chance you can become a professional footballer.
"Talent is vital but you need to have that alongside discipline and professionalism in the way you act.
"There's no secret, if you do that then you've got a better chance of being a professional footballer."
The Under-18 side travel to Aston Villa on Saturday morning, while the first-team are also in the Midlands as they take on Derby County at Pride Park in the afternoon.
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