“I didn’t think he was going to score” – Croatian great hails Nigerian teen with goal on Hornets home debut

The youngster had a home debut to remember after coming off the bench to net the goal that guaranteed all three points at stake for the Golden Boys

Watford FC manager Slaven Bilic has praised the positive mentality of teen forward Tobi Adeyemo who netted his first Watford goal in the Hornets’ 2-0 win over Blackpool on Saturday.

With the matchday 27 clash at the Vicarage Road heading towards a stalemate, Bilic decided to send in 17-year-old Adeyemo in the 68th minute.

Four minutes later Adeyemo was wheeling away in celebration after knocking the ball past goalkeeper Christopher Ethan Maxwell for the opening goal. Ismaila Sarr added a second from the penalty spot three minutes from time.

But more than the goal, it is Adeyemo’s overall display and attitude that impresses former Croatian international Slaven Bilic.

“I didn’t think he was going to score but he runs, he keeps the ball, he puts them under pressure, he links [the play] – he has a good mentality,” Bilic told BBC Three Counties Radio.

Making just his second appearance for Watford and scoring on his home debut could be too much for a second-year scholar to take all in but Adeyemo reveals he had help from his manager all the way.

“Slaven [Bilić] told me that I was here for a reason and that he wanted me to go out there and show what I can do,” a delighted Adeyemo told Watford’s official website.

“I just want to thank Slaven so much for giving me the opportunity – I’m just so grateful.”

Despite losing eight matches in the Championship this term, Watford still sit third on the league table.

The Hornets will hope to make an instant return to the Premier League after suffering relegation from the top flight at the end of last season.