Nigel Gibbs is considered a Watford legend after making almost 500 appearances during a 19-year career at Vicarage Road but at just 18 years old, Lee Hodson has already been labelled by many as the 'next Nigel Gibbs'.

Hodson has played the last 13 consecutive games for Watford despite only turning 18 a month ago and this week the full-back's dream start to his career continued when he was rewarded for his mature displays with a new three-year deal.

"It is great to have that security and it has taken a bit of pressure off me now," Hodson said.

"But I still have to work hard to stay in the side. Jay [DeMerit] is coming back to fitness so there will be a bit of competition so I will keep working hard."

Hodson had been tipped to make the grade since a young age and was being compared with Gibbs before he had even made a first team appearance.

Eventually, the Northern Ireland Under-21 international decided to research Gibbs and says he hopes he can one day make as many appearances as the Reading coach.

Hodson said: "I had heard about him because I had seen people comparing me to him so I looked him up and saw he was a legend at the club and played something like 400 games.

"So hopefully I can keep playing, gaining experience and try and make as many appearances as that."

Current Watford boss Malky Mackay has seen first hand the development of Hodson after bringing him into the Reserves at just 15.

Although Hodson was handed his debut in the final match of last season by Brendan Rodgers, who also compared him to Gibbs, injury to DeMerit and the departure of Mike Williamson has seen Mackay give the defender from Borehamwood his big break.

Hodson's consistent displays have not only seen the 18-year-old handed a new deal, he also earned a call up to the Northern Ireland Under-21s and Mackay claims it won't be long until he makes the step up to full international if he keeps progressing at his current rate.

"I didn't expect this to happen so quickly," Hodson admitted.

"I hoped to get a few games in the Carling Cup and get into the side that way but players leaving and a few injuries meant Malky gave me that chance.

"I have taken it and worked hard and stayed in the side. I didn't expect to get an extended run in the team so early, as I was only 17 at the time, but I don't think Malky really thinks about players' ages too much if you are good enough.

"Malky brought me into the Reserves when I was 15 so he knows what I can do but I had to come back to pre-season thinking as though it was a new manager who I have to impress.

"I went on the trip to Spain which was great and made the bench for a few games and he gave me my chance in the Carling Cup and luckily he believed in me, which gave me the confidence to go out there and play at this level."

In three games this season Watford's back four and goalkeeper consisted solely of players who came through the club's Academy and Hodson believes the Hornets are known for "giving their youth a chance".

He said: "We have got a great youth Academy and a lot of players have come through recently so hopefully I can stay in the side and the other players can come through as well.

"The likes of Lloyd Doyley, Adrian Mariappa, Ashley Young and Hameur Bouazza show we have a good youth Academy and Watford are a club who give their youth a chance to perform and do well."

Hodson concluded: "It was my dream to play professional football and everything so far seems to be going really well so hopefully I can keep up the work and get better as the season goes on."