Head of Academy Chris McGuane felt Joel Ekstrand's display for Watford's Under-21s this afternoon was as good a performance as could be expected on his return after ten months out.

The Swedish international was a surprise inclusion in Harry Kewell's starting XI for this afternoon's 3-3 draw against Brentford at St Albans City's Clarence Park ground.

Ekstrand last played in a 1-0 defeat by Ipswich Town in the Championship in March but suffered knee ligament damage against Mick McCarthy's side.

He was pitched in for the Under-21s today, though, and played 45 minutes alongside scholar Matthew Hall before, as planned, being replaced by Alfie Young.

The former Udinese defender was impressive alongside Hall and assessing the Swede's peformance, McGuane said: "He was brilliant.

"It’s great to see him back playing and I thought for 45 minutes he never looked like he’d been away.

"He was calm, composed and defended really well. I thought he was excellent after being out for so long.

"That is as good a 45 minutes as you could probably ask for. He’s got to build on that now."