Leo Ramirez-Espain belted out a classic from a Hornets legend before taking his place on the bench for the first time in his senior Watford career.
The 17-year-old midfielder turned to Honorary Life-President Sir Elton John when performing a song in front of the entire squad and staff as part of his initiation.
“I chose I’m Still Standing,” he said to watfordfc.com.
“It’s a song I know quite well. I messed it up a little bit, but it was quite funny.”
Although he didn’t get to make his debut, just being named among Tom Cleverley’s substitutes for the Sky Bet Championship trip to Middlesbrough was a major achievement for the teenager.
“I’m really proud,” he said. “It’s been a long time in the making.
“The whole thing was really great but it was quite different.
“Obviously there were a lot more people there watching – the stadium was full so that was new, and there were a lot more cameras around.
“It was a bit intimidating at first but you just drown it out in the end and get on with it.
“Hopefully there are a few more experiences like that to come at Vicarage Road.”
Cleverley became Head Coach of the Hornets after making the step-up from the Under-18s, so he already knew all about Ramirez-Espain and the club’s other academy hopefuls.
“Obviously he has that extra little insight, playing at the highest level,” the youngster said.
“You can see it in some of his coaching styles. Everything he says makes perfect sense and the team plays so much better under him.
“Clevs was great for us for the Under-18s and obviously our results showed that.”
Training with the first team means a clear rise in standard but Ramirez-Espain believes he belongs in that company.
“The first team lads have been great, they’ve all been really nice and really welcoming,” he said.
“They are always trying to integrate us into conversations. It’s been a really good experience so far.
“Obviously training is more intense and more physical but after a few times you are able to adjust and you find you have a bit more time.
“If I grow a little more, hopefully I’ll be able to physically keep up.”
Ramirez-Espain joined the Hornets in October 2016 as an Under-10, having previously played at Brentford.
He moved from the Bees alongside Zavier Massiah-Edwards, who did come off the bench against Middlesbrough to make his debut.
Academy product Albert Eames was also introduced for his first game, while Amin Nabizada was another unused sub.
“I’ve been with Zav now since Under-7s, so 10 years,” Ramirez-Espain said.
“For me to be on the bench while he made his debut was obviously a really great moment.
“Having the boys around really took some of the nerves away and made it a really fun experience.”
Cleverley’s appointment means there is a clear pathway for academy players so it promises to be a big few months for those hoping to break into the Head Coach's plans.
What next for Ramirez-Espain?
“A little break to give the body some time to recover but then I think it’s going to be quite an intense pre-season,” he said.
“We come back a week earlier than the first team to get our fitness levels back up, and then I just want to try and prove myself.
“Who knows from there?”
