Quique Sanchez Flores says Watford will have to consider signing another goalkeeper with Rene Gilmartin set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines after dislocating his knee cap whilst playing for the Hornets’ Under-21s.

The Irish stopper regularly features for the development side in addition to being the first-team’s third choice goalkeeper.

However, while playing in the Under-21s’ victory over Birmingham City last week, Gilmartin suffered an injury which will keep him out for several months.

“We are very sad for Gilmartin,” Flores said. “But he is a very positive man and is approaching the injury with a positive energy.

“He told me: ‘Coach I will recover as soon as possible and will be ready if you need me’. This is the right attitude and he will recover really quickly.

“He is very important for us. He is a good man, never negative. We want him back training with us as quickly as possible.”

When asked if Gilmartin’s injury would mean the Hornets would look into recruiting another goalkeeper, the Spaniard said: “This is something that we will of course have to talk about in the future.”