Tommie Hoban’s performance in Watford’s 2-0 win at Wigan Athletic was almost faultless. And, after the game, he received deserved praise from Hornets boss Slavisa Jokanovic and from the man who handed the defender his professional debut back in 2011.

At the DW Stadium last night the 21-year-old was placed outside of his comfort zone. He started the game at left wing-back and completed it at left full-back. Both positions are very different to his natural role in the centre of defence.

However, Hoban excelled. He defended stoically and showed he is more than capable going forward.

Jokanovic was impressed but he believes Hoban, who joined Watford at the age of 14 after being released by Arsenal, can improve further.

The Hornets head coach said: “Tommie has the capacity to learn which is good for him and for us. I believe he has improved so much in the past months.

“He is intelligent and knows he has big space to improve further. He must be happy with his performance today. He is a strong and fast guy and he is starting to play with more confidence.

“Step by step he is becoming a better player. As I say, that is good news for Watford and for himself.

“But he can’t stop, he must keep going.”

In the Wigan dugout stood former Hornets boss Malky Mackay. He handed Hoban his Watford debut on the final day of the 2010/2011 campaign, a 3-1 defeat against Preston North End.

Mackay joked that he never imagined Hoban would be used as a left wing-back but praised the defender’s attitude and desire to improve.

“Tommie was a terrific youngster when I was at Watford and he was only 16 when he played against Preston,” Mackay said.

“If a boy who has broken through at 16 is still playing first-team football at the age of 21, it is three quarters down to his desire, attitude and effort.

“It is not about talent if you want to make it in the game. It is application and sacrifice and Tommie always had that in him.”