Gavin Massey has returned to Watford following his loan at Colchester United.

The striker's loan was due to expire this weekend and the Hornets decided against extending the deal so he could return to Vicarage Road.

Massey had initially joined United in January but only made three appearances for the club before he was recalled by Watford.

The 19-year-old came on as a substitute for the Hornets against Crystal Palace but then suffered an injury and was subsequently loaned back to Colchester in March.

Massey made a further five outings for Jon Ward's side but he did not play at the weekend because United decided not to play the striker after being told he would be recalled.

Ward told the East Anglian Daily Times: "I could have played him in this game, but Watford are recalling him and it looks like Gavin may get involved in the Watford first team after this weekend.

"I didn’t want him to get anything that stopped him doing that."