Shaqai Forde has been recalled from his loan spell at Kings Langley, with the 17-year-old to join first-team training from Monday (April 4).
The forward has enjoyed a productive spell with the Kings notching two goals, an assist and winning a spot-kick in three games at the Orbital Fasteners Stadium during February and March.
Forde, who made his debut for the senior team against Leicester City in the Emirates FA Cup, is looking forward to continuing his development after his successful loan move to Kings Langley, learning much under the guidance of manager Chris Cummins.
“I feel like it’s helped me massively,” Forde said. “I’ve learnt that I can’t hold onto the ball as much because the players I’m up against come flying into challenges. It’s helped me learn when to move the ball quicker and when to hold on to it.
“It’s helped me learn when to dig in deep. We’re playing for three points and at the end of the day, it’s people’s livelihoods on the line. It’s helped me learn about that winning mentality.”
Watford manager Roy Hodgson has been impressed with the 17-year-old and believes now is the right time for Forde to step into the senior squad.
“Forde has been training with us during these three weeks while the international players have been away and he has made a big impression,” Hodgson explained.
“I think that he is undoubtedly a player who, if he continues to progress in his game as he seems to be doing in recent times, has the capability of really making a mark. He is a goal scorer, there is no doubt he has the desire to do well, and we thought that if he is going to progress further then he needs to be testing himself out all the time against players who are going to make life a lot harder for him.
“He is young and will find it difficult playing against Premier League players, but I think that’s the way forward for him. His technical ability is good enough for him to handle that and he certainly is very keen to get the opportunity, and I believe it’s the right time to give him that opportunity.
“Now it’s up to him between now and the end of the season to try and make some sort of impression and make certain that when the squad is being put forward for next year, his name will be amongst them.”
Forde scored in the most recent Under-23 victory against Wigan Athletic (March 30) and has been a key member of the squad since making the step-up from the Under-18s earlier in the season.
The 17-year-old’s focus is now on the future and he has enjoyed learning from the senior team throughout the international break.
“It’s been a great experience training with the first team,” Forde continued. “Every day I’ve been learning new things and trying to learn little bits off everyone. It’s been a great experience and Roy [Hodgson] has been excellent with me.
“He has always given me tips of what to do better and gets on to me when I need to liven up a bit. He gives me the praise when needed. They have all been excellent to be fair and it’s been a really enjoyable experience.”
