Matheus Martins underwent something of a mini world tour before making his debut on Saturday and having a hand in both goals that earned the 2-0 win over Blackpool.

The Brazilian had to travel to get his work permit and then sign for Udinese before heading back to Watford on loan until the end of the season.

“Martins has been training with us three or four weeks now, and I have liked what I see,” said Bilic.

“And remember he came from a different continent where it’s summer to a totally different country where he doesn’t know the language and it’s the middle of winter.

“Then in the last 10 days he had to go out of the country in order to get his work permit.

“But he didn’t have to go to Paris or somewhere like that. He had to fly to Rio, to Brazil. And then from there he flew to Italy and spent 24 hours there.

“Then he flew back here and was back at the training ground on Thursday morning.”

Bilic said he wasn’t sure how Martins would react to totting up those airmiles, but he was pleasantly surprised.

“I asked Matheus how he was feeling, and I was expecting a little bit of ‘aching legs, no sleep, jet lag’. No, there was none of that at all,” said the Watford head coach.

“He told me he slept on the plane and slept well in Italy. He just said he was good to go, and that is what you want to hear. He was directly involved in both goals, so I am happy.”

When I pointed out that Martins (19), Asprilla (19) and Adeyemo (17) – the three players involved in Watford’s opening goal – had a combined age of 55, just a year more than Bilic himself, the Croatian rocked back in his chair.

“Oh don’t tell me that. Please don’t tell me that. Andrew, you and me are good. Don’t tell me that!

“They really are only 55 added together? F**k me.”