Young Watford striker Uche Ikpeazu will make his first competitive outing of the season tonight after needing ankle surgery in the summer.

Ikpeazu starts up front for the Hornets in their Under-21 Premier League Cup tie at Bristol City.

The 19-year-old joined the Golden Boys from Reading in the summer of 2013 and whilst he has yet to play for the first team, he did score four goals in 15 outings during the second half of last season on loan at League One side Crewe Alexandra.

Watford have named a very strong side at Ashton Gate, with full back Alfie Young the only scholar in the starting XI.

Third choice goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin starts behind a back four of Young, Craig Cathcart, Tommie Hoban and Josh Doherty.

Connor Smith and Sean Murray are in a midfield which also includes first-year professional George Byers, whilst Bernard Mensah and Alex Jakubiak play in attack alongside Ikpeazu.

Bristol City: Richards; Wynter, Hall, Murphy, Vyner, Batten, Last, Morrell, Burns, Fry, Horgan.

Subs: Mattis, Wollacott, Mafuta, Withey, Monelle.

Watford: Gilmartin; Young, Cathcart, Hoban, Doherty; Smith, Byers, Murray; Mensah, Jakubiak; Ikpeazu.

Subs: Ammann, Stewart, Folivi, Lewis, Rowan.