Blake: “It Was A Fantastic Feeling”

Exciting youngster Adrian Blake said the Hornets’ 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat to MK Dons represented a night he will never forget, despite the disappointing result under the lights at Vicarage Road.

The Academy product – who has been part of the Watford set-up since 2013 – stepped off the bench to make his senior bow in the 73rd minute, becoming the seventh-youngest debutant in the club’s history aged 17 years and 39 days.

With the team already two goals down some bright touches and confident attacking play from Blake did spearhead the Golden Boys’ best spell of the clash, as they searched for a route back into the game late on.

And though their efforts ultimately came up short, individually the teenager was pleased with a performance that oozed confidence and excited the near-9,000 fans in attendance.

“I’m obviously gutted we didn’t get the result tonight, but on the plus side I’m delighted to have made my first professional appearance,” said Blake.

“Rob [Edwards] just told me to go out there and express myself, and to not be nervous, so I just went out there with nothing to lose and tried to make something happen.

“I wasn’t sure where I’d be in terms of the record books but it was just a fantastic feeling, and I had family and friends in the ground watching on which was great. I’ve got to thank all of them for helping me on my journey so far, and hopefully there’ll be plenty more to come.”

Having impressed in the Under-18 and Under-23 ranks last season, Blake – still a second-year scholar – featured on the first-team bench for May’s 0-0 draw at home to Everton in the Premier League.

Now more familiar with the senior set-up and with his first appearance under his belt, he is clear he is hungry for more opportunities and is on a mission to continue impressing Head Coach Edwards.

Blake added: “I’m a lot more familiar with all of the first-team players and staff now, and I feel I know how they like to play. They were all very supportive and congratulated me after the game, which was nice.

“This is just the start though, and hopefully there will be many more nights like this to come. It was the biggest crowd I’ve ever played in front of, but hopefully that’s not the case for long!”