Watford striker Liam Henderson has joined League One club Colchester United on loan until January.

The 20-year-old has yet to score for the first team since his debut in August 2008 despite making 21 appearances for Watford.

Henderson also spent time on loan at non-league Wealdstone and Hartlepool United, where he made nine appearances without scoring.

"Liam has scored lots of goals for the reserves over the last 18 months and I feel it's time for him to go out and gain valuable experience at league level," Mackay said.

"A similar situation proved very beneficial to Marvin Sordell last season. "So we think that going to Colchester United and working with John Ward will be great for Liam."