Young could fly Hornets' nest

Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd admitted for the first time today that his club could struggle to hang on to rising star Ashley Young.

The England U21 international has attracted interest from a number of clubs this season after shining for the struggling Hornets, who are fighting for survival in the Barclays Premiership.

Boothroyd had always refused to entertain talk of Young’s departure, and insisted the 21-year-old forward would not be sold during the January transfer window, but accepted the possibility he might one day leave Vicarage Road.

“I have had a chat with Ashley already and we are both of the understanding that it has to be right,” Boothroyd said.

“It has to be right for Ashley, first and foremost, and it has to be right for us.

“As far as I am concerned, I have said no, and that will apply in January, but there may come a time when it is a yes.”

Even though Boothroyd plans to stand his ground over Young in January, he expects clubs to show interest in the talented forward, whom Boothroyd prefers to use on the wing.

Young has scored four goals this season and is easily Watford’s most creative player.

He missed the home defeat by Sheffield United on Tuesday with flu, and Boothroyd’s team lacked spark and inspiration in attack in his absence.

Boothroyd continued: “There is bound to be interest in Ashley, because he is a good player.

“Bigger clubs are always going to be attracted to players who do well under difficult circumstances and that is exactly what Ashley has done.”

Young is expected to have shaken off his illness in time for the Hornets’ match at Manchester City on Monday night.

Fellow forward Hameur Bouazza, who sat out the Sheffield United game with an ankle injury, is also likely to be available for selection at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Watford will still be without on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster, who has a knee injury, while striker Marlon King will not play again this season due to torn cartilage.

Boothroyd’s team already look to be in severe trouble after winning only one of their opening 14 matches in the top flight.

The 35-year-old boss knows his team must never repeat their woeful showing against Sheffield United if they are to have any chance of extending their stay in the Premiership.

He admitted: “That was probably the worst we have played all year and that disappointed me.

“Losing Ashley did not help, but it was still a shame we did not perform.

“But it has gone now and we have to move on. I had a good meeting with the players today and my mood has improved since Tuesday night.

“I did not have a very good day yesterday, because I watched the game over and over again, but the score did not change.

“We have to put it down as a bad day, a freak day, but if it becomes a regular occurrence I have a problem. It is up to every individual to lift themselves and that includes me.”