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Watford manager Javi Gracia was pleased to be able to give Danny Welbeck his first Watford start, but knows the striker is still some way off his best.
Gracia named the former Arsenal man in his starting XI for the first time in the Carabao Cup win against Coventry and he got 90 minutes under his belt.
It was his first start since breaking his leg playing for the Gunners in November and the game time will be invaluable.
The Hornets won through goals from Ismaila Sarr , Daryl Janmaat and Adalberto Penaranda to give them a first success of the season on a night where only a Welbeck goal would have made it better.
Gracia was just pleased to get him out on the pitch.
Premier League's best prospectsShow all 20 1 /20Premier League's best prospects Premier League's best prospects Emile Smith Rowe (19) - Arsenal The winger made a prolific breakthrough into the first-team last season, scoring three goals in six games, before being ruled out with a groin injury. After spending six months at RB Leipzig last season, he has been promoted to the senior squad on a full-time basis.
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Premier League's best prospects Colin Odutayo (18) - Aston Villa The skilful Netherlands youth international impressed in the U18s Premier League last season, cutting in off the left-wing scoring 7 goals and adding a further four assists.
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Premier League's best prospects Aaron Connolly (19) - Brighton The young Irish striker had a brilliant season for the U23s, ending the season with 16 goals in 18 appearances. Can hope to make his breakthrough in the
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Premier League's best prospects Stephen Mallon (20) - Sheffield United The Irishman impressed on loan in Australia last season before appearing in the Toulon Tournament.
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Premier League's best prospects Adam Idah (18) - Norwich The 18-year-old striker was awarded a new contract in the summer after scoring a goal every 170 minutes for the U23s last season before impressing for Ireland in the Toulon Tournament over the summer.
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Premier League's best prospects Terence Taylor (18) - Wolves The defensive midfielder excited on the club's pre-season tour, having been called up to Wales' senior squad while still a 17-year-old.
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“He needs to compete, he needs to play,” he said. “In my opinion he is not in his best condition and he needs time like players like Roberto Pereyra, Sarr.
“They all need time to improve and the best way is not only training but playing as well.
“When we have this opportunity we have to do it.”
Welbeck’s inclusion was one of 11 changes made by Gracia, who says all of his squad will have chance to impress this season.
He added: “We played on Saturday and all of my players are ready to compete in different competitions we have.
“We did it last season as well. They deserve the chance to play in different competitions. All of the squad is ready to do it.
Javi Gracia is under pressure with Watford the only Premier League team without a point
(Reuters)
“I can choose different players during the season, I try to do it properly and try to know when some of them are in a better moment than others.
“It is something they have to show me in games like today and training sessions. But they are ready because they are good professionals.”
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