Luke Dowling believes securing the future of Ogo Obi is a further example of the opportunities Watford can give young players who they feel are capable of progressing to the first team.

We reported on Monday evening that the 16-year-old had penned a two-year scholarship with the Hornets and the agreement has a third year as a professional attached.

The 16-year-old, who had been on trial with Manchester United this summer, has been with the club since the Under-11 age group but had been reluctant to commit his future due to interest from elsewhere.

Commenting on the deal, Watford’s sporting director said: “This is great news for the football club. It again highlights the opportunities we hand to young players who we feel can progress from the club’s Academy to the first team.

“There’s plenty of competition with securing young players so we’re happy to have a talented player like Ogo who can continue improving with our Academy.”

The Hornets’ Academy head Chris McGuane added: “Over the years the club has invested lots of time and effort into Ogo’s development so we’re absolutely delighted to see him continue his progression here at Watford.

“Ogo can see the likes of Alex Jakubiak and Josh Doherty who made their first-team debuts last season, and we hope to see both Ogo and some of our other talented young players progress to the first team.”

Obi scored ten goals in five matches for the Hornets at last year’s Milk Cup and he returned to the tournament to net three times in four outings to help the Red Devils lift the Premier title this summer.