A loan spell could be just the thing Michael Folivi needs after some impressive performances for Watford Under-23s - and boss Hayden Mullins is hopeful the young striker can find one when January comes around.

The coach has been left frustrated by new rules, brought in last season, which prevent players being sent out on short-term loans outside the transfer window - meaning Folivi and his team-mates are restricted to Under-23 football for large periods of the season.

A loan spell at Coventry did little for his development in 2016/17, with only a solitary appearance for the Sky Blues, but the 19-year-old is apparently better for his time with the Hornets' youngsters in the interim.

Mullins said: "A year down the line, he’s a little bit older, stronger and wiser and the boys are chomping at the bit.

"Under-23s football is really good but their next step is into a first team and so a loan spell would be good for that, they’ll just have to keep on turning it on in games like this and see where it takes them.

"Mike maybe just needs a chance, someone to take a punt on him. He’s very good, he’s quick, he’s inventive and I’m confident when he goes through in a one-on-one he’ll finish it. I’m just working on his shooting through legs, what he needs from his game and his all-round performance was brilliant."

Brice Dja Djedje was again an assured presence in the middle of the park, a position he has adopted in recent weeks for the Hornets' junior side.

He made two of Watford's three goals in their 3-0 victory over Colchester yesterday, albeit with a first-team breakthrough a near impossibility.

"He’s done very well," Mullins added. "The last couple of weeks we’ve had Brice and his fitness levels are good, he’s doing well and it’s good for the lads to play with him. He’s another experienced guy and he’s done well."