Australian defender Aidan Coyne has joined Watford’s Under-21 team after signing a one-year contract, subject to international clearance.

There is an option to extend the deal for a further year after the end of this season.

The 18-year-old progressed through the Academy at Perth Glory and made five A-League appearances last season.

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With the Australian season over he decided to travel to the UK to further his career, and after training with a couple of other clubs he was invited to a trial with the Hornets.

After a few weeks, he was offered a one-year deal and has since been working with the Under-21 squad as well as being involved in some first-team training sessions.

Coyne, who celebrates his 19th birthday tomorrow (Wednesday), is the son of former Australian international central defender Chris Coyne, who made more than 200 appearances for Luton Town as well as having spells with West Ham, Dundee and Colchester United.

Aidan said: “At the moment, my targets are pretty short-term.

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“I’m just concentrating on developing further as a player, getting better and better every day, working hard at training and listening to and learning from the coaches and the pros at the club.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work, listening and learning along with a bit of risk and a bit of luck, and that’s ultimately what got me here. I know the commitment and dedication that I need to put in going forward, and I’m looking forward to getting going.

“I’ve trained with the first-team a couple of times when Slaven Bilic has been in charge and I really liked him as a coach.

“The way he gets his message across and conducts himself is very, very good.”