The sight of young Gavin Massey walking home along Vicarage Road having just played for Watford in the Championship is one I will remember with fondness – a throwback to yesteryear.

“A few more people in the area would know me, because they probably see me walking around the streets,” Massey said, “walking out in front of your home crowd somewhere you have been all your life definitely makes it a bit more special.”

Massey has been with the club since he was nine and made his debut in the final game of the 2009/10 campaign while still a first-year scholar, with a further four appearances following last season.

The 18-year-old, who was wanted by Liverpool before he signed his professional contract last year, is still a raw talent but he has been on the Hornets bench for every game so far this season despite the reduction in substitutes.

And with Watford in search of goals against West Ham United, Sean Dyche sent for Massey rather than the more experienced Troy Deeney, who is increasingly being used in a midfield role rather than up top.

Massey said: “Hopefully I can establish myself as a first team player now. Being in and around the first team day in day out is obviously going to give you that opportunity as the coaching staff are watching you more regularly.

“I’m hoping to get a bit more game time than I did last season, even though that was still good. I definitely need to get a few more minutes under my belt and hopefully start impressing more.”

The striker spent a couple of months on loan at non-league Wealdstone, who are managed by the vastly experienced Gordon Bartlett and have also assisted the development of Watford Academy graduates John-Joe O’Toole, Theo Robinson, Billy Gibson and Marvin Sordell.

Massey failed to make an impact at the club but he believes the experience did benefit him.

“That was tough,” Massey admitted, “it is a lot more physical but the quality is not there like in the Championship. They do say it is sort of like Championship football as it is physical; you will get a knock from the centre backs. It was a good experience for me though.

“Marvin and some other players went there on loan and they seem to have done well so I am looking to follow in the same footsteps as some of those players in now making the step up.”