Watford head coach Gianfranco Zola claims Tommie Hoban's rate of improvement this season has been "unbelievable".

Hoban made his first team debut in the final game of the 2010/11 season whilst still a first-year scholar but did not feature for the Hornets at all last season.

However, the 18-year-old, who was given a new five-year contract in the summer, has played in the last seven Watford games and has excelled.

Speaking after Saturday's win against Leicester, when Hoban was outstanding, Zola said: "His improvement rate is unbelievable. He is really impressive.

"You do not need to tell him twice because by the time you tell him something, he has already picked it up. It tells you a lot about his desire to improve. I have to say he is a good boy as well so I am delighted he is doing so well."