Malky Mackay has this afternoon confirmed trialist Aiden Palmer will spend the rest of the season with Watford as he attempts to earn a contract with the Hornets.

Palmer, who was sentenced to 22 months in jail for violent disorder in 2009, has been training with Watford since last week and played in the Reserves’ 1-1 draw with Southend United on Monday night.

Watford manager Mackay said: “He will be here until the end of the season to train with us and play in the final Reserve games.”

The 24-year-old left back, who started his career at Leyton Orient, is currently at Conference South side Bishops Stortford.