Watford’s speedy defender Dale Bennett has been handed a new two-year contract with the club.

Bennett’s contract with the Hornets was set to expire in the summer but the 21-year-old has been rewarded with a new deal after being included in all but eight matchday squads this season.

The Enfield-born centre back, who can also right back, was handed his first professional contract in March 2008 but this is the first time he has been handed a deal which is longer than a year.

Bennett has made 23 appearances for the Hornets and has also spent time on loan at Wealdstone and Kettering, where he made 20 outings.