Malky Mackay expects Aston Villa striker Andreas Weimann to receive his first call up to the full Austrian squad in the near future.

The 19-year-old marked his full Watford debut against Crystal Palace last night with a goal and Mackay was full of praise for the former Rapid Vienna youngster.

Mackay said: “Andy Weimann is a top young player from Aston Villa and is an Austrian Under-21 international and I do not think it will be long before he is in their full squad.

“Villa have great hopes for him and you saw tonight [Tuesday], he was suited to go straight into Championship football.

“He works extremely hard, has a great touch and an eye for goal and I think to be thrown into the game tonight, and play alongside Danny Graham the way he did, is great credit to the lad.

“He slipped effortlessly into the group because of who he is and adapted to training.”

Last night's 1-1 draw was also Manchester United midfielder Danny Drinkwater's debut.

The midfielder may have only played 25 minutes and linked up with the squad on Monday, but Mackay believes you can tell he is a Manchester United player.

Mackay said: “I am delighted we got Danny Drinkwater to the club. He has only been at the club a couple of days and the more he learns about the players and the environment around him, then I see good things from him.

“He has good habits already but he comes from Manchester United so you would expect that.

“He is a good player and I think the fans will see some good things from Danny Drinkwater.”

Watford made four changes against Palace and one of them was the return of John Eustace.

The Hornets captain has been out since New Years Day and Mackay was delighted to see him back in the starting XI.

Mackay said: “John is our captain, our leader and he has been for 18 months. He has been outstanding for me and I don't see that changing.

“He has been exceptional this season, like he was last year.

“He is one of our experienced players and our leaders and we need as many of those on the pitch as possible.”