It was Victor Ibarbo’s decision to play for Watford’s Under-21 side against Colchester United and Harry Kewell says the forward is capable of producing “mind-blowing” moments of skill.

The Colombian international has struggled to make an impact in the Hornets’ first team since arriving on loan from Cagliari in the summer and has made just three substitute appearances in the Premier League.

Ibarbo has previously played for the Golden Boys’ development side in an effort to gain match fitness and against Colchester this afternoon he completed 90 minutes and scored twice in Watford’s 3-1 victory.

The 25-year-old certainly made a case for being included in the match-day squad against Manchester United on Saturday and Kewell was impressed with Ibarbo’s attitude and skill against the U’s.

“It isn’t easy for players to drop down because they can think they’re above it but Victor actually asked to play which is fantastic,” the Australian said. “And he led by example. To go out there and score two goals is great.”

Kewell added: “Victor is a raw player and some of the things he does are mind-blowing. It is great to see and he can certainly play.

“I don’t want him playing for me though because he wants to be playing in the first team. But when he does play for us he knows he needs to do the work. He got the goals but he also did the work today which is fantastic.”