Watford's list of debutants under the Pozzo era passed the 150 mark on Saturday, with James Morris, Kamil Conteh and Shaqai Forde all making their first senior team appearances.

The Hornets were beaten 4-1 in a low priority FA Cup tie at Leicester City, leaving them to focus on their Premier League relegation scrap.

While the result was far from what was hoped for against a Foxes side that was hampered by injuries, it was still a day to remember for the three youth players, who were given their first opportunities to show what they can do in a match.

Number 148, Morris, started at left back with Adam Masina away at the African Cup of Nations and new arrival Hassane Kamara not yet up to speed.

After appearing on the substitute's bench a handful of times, the 20-year-old told the club website it was a "dream come true" to finally make it onto the pitch.

“It’s a disappointing result because we wanted to get as far as we could in the cup, but on a personal note, to be able to make my debut is obviously a dream come true,” said Morris.

“All the hard work you put in over the years is for days like this, to play in a big stadium in front of loads of fans and I absolutely enjoyed it.

“Being on the bench was a great experience but it’s not quite the same as being on the pitch. Being in and around it for a bit now, I’ve got used to what you have to do but being involved is the next step and hopefully there’s many more to come.

“It’s strange going from watching players on TV to then all of a sudden having to mark them, but I thought I coped alright and it’s a dream come true.”

Morris was later joined on the field by 19-year-old Conteh and 17-year-old Forde, both of whom echoed the left back's sentiments in their own club interviews.

“I’m delighted that my debut has come,” said Conteh, who replaced club captain Moussa Sissoko in the centre of midfield midway through the second half.

"I’ve been with the first team since before Christmas, so I’ve been getting a sniff that maybe something could happen. I’ve been making sure I’m giving 110 per cent in training, to show the head coach and everyone else that I’m good enough to make it.

"I’m just excited to see what can happen. If I can stay at this level and just show the boss I’m ready to go, then hopefully I’ll get more minutes.”

The youngest of the three, Forde, whose dad Fabian made a cameo appearance for the Hornets back in May 2001, said: “I’m really happy with myself, making my debut but obviously it’s unfortunate we couldn’t get the win. We had some good chances that maybe on another day we’d put away but overall, Leicester deserved to win.

“Hopefully I can get on the bench more and by the end of the season make my full debut.”