Alex Jakubiak can’t stop scoring. The young Watford striker has netted nine times in seven Under-21 matches and appears to have outgrown development football. The Hornets have a decision to make.

A loan move for the 19-year-old makes sense. It would give Jakubiak the opportunity to test himself against seasoned Football League campaigners who are used to battling for three points every weekend.

However, the Under-21s would be left short of striking options if he were to depart. Harry Kewell’s side have slowly improved in recent weeks and losing their top scorer would undoubtedly be a blow.

“It’s up to the club (if they choose to loan Jakubiak out),” Kewell said yesterday after the striker netted in Watford’s 3-1 win over Colchester United.

“Personally I think he is doing fantastically. He is very strong on the ball, he doesn’t get pushed off the ball and he turns on a dime.

“You guys only see him for a brief moment but I see him day in day out and his ability to turn and instantly be attacking defenders is an art. And he knows where the back of the net is. He is becoming a very dangerous player.”

Kewell added: “I want him to score more. He certainly tries and he was unlucky not to get another one (against Colchester). I could do with him really destroying teams because I think he is capable of doing that.”

During his illustrious playing career Kewell played alongside a host of quality strikers. From Mark Viduka and Robbie Fowler at Leeds United to Michael Owen at Liverpool. The Australian knows what it takes for a striker to succeed at the top level.

And he believes Jakubiak has shown glimpses of the attributes that made Owen one of the country’s most feared strikers.

“I had the chance to play with Michael and you can see glimpses of his attributes with Alex,” Kewell said.

“He obviously isn’t up there and has a lot of work to do but you do see glimpses.”