It has been six months since Tommie Hoban had surgery on his ankle injury and his routine scan this week showed the Watford defender continues to make progress in his recovery.

Hoban became an integral part of the Hornets’ defence last season despite being just 19 years old; making 18 consecutive starts between late September and New Year’s Day.

The Republic of Ireland Under-19 international damaged his Achilles in January and although he returned for one game in February, he missed the rest of the season with the problem.

The Watford Academy graduate visited specialists across the world and it was decided he would have surgery in the USA in late April.

Hoban, who spent time at the Isokinetic Clinic in London as part of his rehabilitation, had his check-up scan after six months on Tuesday and the results were positive.

Speaking before the scan, Watford’s head of medical Marco Cesarini said: “The surgery Tommie had in the USA was complex. We are happy with him and he is doing well with his recovery.”

Hoban spent a lot of this summer with Nyron Nosworthy, who is also recovering from an ankle problem.

Cesarini confirmed Nosworthy suffered no negative reaction to playing an hour in the Hornets’ win at Plymouth Argyle last week in the Under-21 Premier League Cup.

Cesarini said: “We are very happy and he is very happy. He is smiling and he is close to coming back with the first team squad.

“He needs more minutes but he can now see the end line.”