Hornets defender Kortney Hause is excited to further his progression in a Watford shirt after making his first start at the weekend against Rotherham United (Saturday September 3).
The 27-year-old, who joined on a season-long loan from Aston Villa in August, has enjoyed his first two appearances for the Hornets, making his debut against Middlesbrough during the centenary anniversary of Watford’s first match at Vicarage Road.
Speaking on Watford’s official Twitter account about that special night, Hause recognised the importance and significance of the victory under the lights at The Vic and was proud to make his debut.
“It was a crazy night,” Hause began. “It was a big moment for the club with the 100th anniversary, and evening games under the lights are always special.
“To win it in the dying moments of the game was a good feeling for the club and for the squad. On a personal note, making my debut for Watford was a good moment in my career and I’m just excited for what the future holds now.”
Having settled into his new surroundings, Hause has reacquainted himself with former Aston Villa teammate Keinan Davis – someone he holds in particularly high regard.
“I’ve played with him for a few years now and in training, at Aston Villa, he was the hardest striker I’ve ever trained against,” he said.
“He’s an animal and he’s got it all. He’s not just a goal scorer, but he can drop deep, he can pick the ball up and he can take the ball past three or four players. He’s top, top drawer and he’s still young and he’s got a big future ahead of him as well, and I’m sure he wants to pick up from where he left off with his form last season at Nottingham Forest.
“Speaking to him and being around him – I’m quite close to him – he’s hungry and he’s desperate to perform for Watford. Watford have done really, really well getting him signed up.”
Another familiar face is Head Coach Rob Edwards, a figure who Hause remembers from his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
He continued: “Rob Edwards is a good guy. With Rob, what you see is what you get. He’s just a really straightforward good guy, full of enthusiasm. It’s all the things that I look for in a Head Coach really.
“A guy who can talk to you, keeps it real with you and speaks on a good level. All the things you look for in a Head Coach is what Rob Edwards is. I’m familiar with him from working with him at Wolves. He was one of the big points for me joining Watford.”
With the second-tier season well underway, Hause acknowledges the squad’s ambitions for this campaign, and the defensive general will be doing everything in his power to ensure those targets are secured.
“I think every player’s dream is to play in the Premier League,” Hause said. “I’ve been there and the club’s been there as well. That’s where it’s at, that’s where you want to be.
“We’re in this position for whatever reason, but let’s hope this season is a good one and we can get back to the top-flight, stay there and solidify the club as a Premier League team.
“I’d like to consider myself as a good player, so you’ve got to be able to deal with everything. I’m ready for the challenge because I’ve played in the Championship before, and I know what every team in the Championship is about.”
