Malky Mackay believes Liam Henderson can make the step up to the first team.

Henderson was booed by a small section of the Vicarage Road crowd when he came on for the first team recently.

The striker has failed to find the net in 21 substitute appearances for Watford’s first team but he has been in prolific form for the Reserves.

The 20-year-old made it 11 goals in four matches for the Hornets' second string on Monday, as they beat Colchester United 5-2.

Mackay said: “Liam is a youngster who at times, it has not been easy for him because at that age coming on and feeling you have not had a good 20 minutes in the past, it knocks your confidence.

“But he is a really keen young professional who has absolutely blown away the Reserves this year in terms of goalscoring and performances at that level.

“Now it is just about the next step with him, coming on and making an impact.

“We certainly have belief in him but it is about going out and doing it now. But he is a young lad and young lads need confidence so he needs as much help as he can get and we are certainly going to make sure we do all we can to help him grow and develop as a player.”