Josh Walker has left Watford on loan just over three months after his arrival from Middlesbrough.

Walker, who signed on a free transfer on August 20, has joined League Two side Stevenage until January 5.

The 21-year-old scored the winner for the Reserves on Tuesday but has only made four substitute appearances for the Watford first team.

Manager Malky Mackay said: "Myself and Josh agree it would be useful for him to go and get some proper league football under his belt.

"Due to the form of others he hasn’t featured. Playing five weeks at a good standard would be beneficial for him to challenge in January.”

Walker signed a two-year deal, with the club having the option of a third year, in August after spending time on trial with the Hornets.

He graduated from the Middlesbrough Academy and made his Boro debut in May 2006, making 13 appearances for the club in total.

Walker has captained England at every age group from Under-16 to Under-20 and led his country at last year’s Under-20 World Cup.

The versatile midfielder has spent time on loan at Bournemouth, Northampton, Rotherham and Aberdeen, where he scored in their 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup.

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