Ross Jenkins became an established first team starter at Watford whilst still a second-year scholar after bursting on to the scene as a 17-year-old but due to injury has endured some difficult times since then.

Jenkins had played three Carling Cup ties for Aidy Boothroyd but it was under his former Reserve team manager Malky Mackay when the energetic midfielder made his mark.

The youngster kept his place when Brendan Rodgers arrived at Vicarage Road and went on to make 37 appearances in his debut season.

Jenkins remained a regular at the beginning of the following campaign but injury and the emergence of other players meant he made just 13 starts in the 16 months between mid-October 2009 and February 2011.

The midfielder, who grew up in High Wycombe, needed back surgery last year and struggled with several “niggly” injuries, which included ankle and hamstring problems.

But Jenkins has started six of the last seven Hornets matches and believes he has overcome his injury concerns.

“I had a few injuries which set me back a little bit but I am over that now,” Jenkins said.

“I have come back a lot fitter and stronger. My game is starting to improve a bit more, in my attacking side of the game not just my defending, and hopefully I can keep it going and get a few more games under my belt.”

He continued: “It is always good to come back into the side and play regularly again. Sometimes it takes a while to get back on track but I have come in and done OK. Against Middlesbrough was not a particularly good performance for myself and the team but I will continue to kick on.”

Jenkins has now made 81 appearances for Watford despite only turning 20 at the end of last year, which is an impressive statistic when you consider he came through the same age group as Rob Kiernan, who has made just two substitute appearances for the Hornets, and Marvin Sordell, who had started once prior to this season.

With more appearances comes greater expectation but Jenkins said: “I don’t think the start to my career has added more pressure, I think you gain a better understanding of the game starting so early.

“Now I look back and think about what I did then and what I could do now to improve.

“I want to try to play as many games as possible. It is not easy but I had a good start and hopefully I can use that experience to keep my place in the team.”

This season Jenkins’ number of first team starts has also been affected by the emergence of other players like Stephen McGinn, Matty Whichelow and the arrival of loanee Jordon Mutch.

When loan signings are brought to the club fans often refer to it being to the detriment of the club’s home-grown talent.

When asked what it is like for young Academy graduates when loanees arrive, Jenkins replied: “It depends... that is quite a hard question.

“It is healthy to have competition because if you don’t then you sit back.

“But if you know someone could take your place then everyone tries a lot harder and the training ground is a lot more competitive. It improves your game.”

Jenkins has predominantly been used as a defensive-minded midfielder, similar to John Eustace, but in the last month or so has played in a slightly more advanced position, to good effect.

The youngster believes the recent formation has been working well together and was full of praise for his captain.

He said: “We play similar sort of roles but I have been playing a little more advanced in recent games with Don Cowie.

“Eusty is a great pro and is good to have in midfield to keep you going through the 90 minutes and encourage you.

“Especially in games, he is a big voice and is very experienced.

“He keeps you going and talking to you. He is a great leader.

Jenkins’ main aim for the remainder of the season is to keep his place in the side but with Watford just four points off sixth spot, believes his side can still reach the play-offs.

He said: “We just want to try to win as many as we can and try to get in the play-offs which I think is possible and so does the group.”