Domingos Quina could hardly have hoped for a better introduction to the Watford fanbase.

Just over an hour into his Hornets debut the 18-year-old took aim from 30 yards and found the very top corner to seal a 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Reading.

The confidence of youth should never be underestimated and Quina’s stunning effort was only the main highlight of a catalogue of tricks and flicks which defined his maiden outing.

Having made the move from West Ham United to Watford at the very last throes of the summer transfer window to secure first-team chances, Quina was understandably delighted with his start.

“I am really happy with my performance and happy that the manager gave me the chance to start the game. I am even happier with the goal and couldn’t wish for a better debut,” Quina said.

“I could have gone to different, bigger clubs but personally I think I need to be where I am going to get first team experience. I think Watford is the best place for me to be right now.”

Quina’s development is likely to be aided by Watford boss Javi Gracia’s willingness to play young players, particularly in the cup competitions.

The Watford boss also added Ben Wilmot to his ranks in the summer and both 18 year olds impressed against Reading.

Gracia’s impact has already been felt by Quina and the Portuguese starlet, who has represented his country at Under-20 level, is enjoying working with the Spanish head coach.

“He is helping me and he doesn’t care about age and that is what I want to hear,” he said. “He keeps saying to me to keep working hard and to be aggressive.

“The Premier League is hard and I need to be aware of where people are on the pitch.

“I think that is what any young player needs to hear from their manager, that he is going to give me more chances to work and do the things he wants me to do. I want to show him that I want to play.”

Watford’s head coach is fully aware of the quality Quina, who made just six senior outings while at West Ham, has at his disposal and will work hard to help him develop as a player.

Gracia feels Quina can also have an impact in the here and now as well as further down the line when quizzed on the midfielder’s potential.

“I did not see a goal like today [in training], but Domingos Quina is a young player,” Gracia said.

“He has a lot of quality and everybody knows he has a brilliant future, but we want to enjoy it with him in the present.”

Quina’s reaction to his goalscoring debut was a measured one and he is refusing to get ahead of himself.

His focus remains on making as much progress as he can now and he says he has plenty of room for development.

He said: “I have been in places where I have seen players with a lot of quality not getting into the first team and I do not want to be one.

“I can’t tell what is going to happen in five years, I just want to focus on the what I can do now and play games.”