Watford FC

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Hoskins tipped to shine

23 Jan 2007 - 08:31:14

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Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd has backed new signing Will Hoskins to fill the boots of Aston Villa bound striker Ashley Young.

Hoskins, 20, moved to Vicarage Road in a combined £1million deal with midfielder Lee Williamson earlier in the month from Rotherham and has already made two appearances for the Premiership strugglers.

"Long term, I think Will Hoskins is going to be an excellent replacement for Ashley (Young)," claimed Boothroyd.

"On Saturday I thought he was steady. Although he started slowly, as the game wore on he got himself into some great positions and he had probably our three best chances.

"He will get goals in any league he plays in. I'm convinced about that."

Young is poised to leave Vicarage Road for Aston Villa in a deal that could see Watford net £9.5million and Boothroyd has wished the promising striker well.

He added: "Ashley has been a big player for us and he will be missed but life goes on and we have to reorganise, reshuffle and move forward.

"He came from the youth team to play in the Championship and had a terrific first season last year.

"Questions might have been asked about what he could do in the Premiership, but he has proved he can do it there as well.

"Now the question will be whether he can do it at somewhere where there are bigger expectations at a bigger club."