PEDRO SEALS BIRTHDAY WIN

Hornets boss Ivic hails his youngster

- Wayne Evans

WATFORD head coach Vladimir Ivic hailed the M1 derby decider scored by 19-year-old Joao Pedro against Luton.

The Brazilian scored his first goal for the club in what was a perfect present to himself and the supporters on his birthday.

But Ivic warned that working for the team will be the way for both Pedro and the rest of the side to progress under him.

“It’s nice to score on your birthday,” said Ivic. “A good present for himself, for the team, the fans and for all of us who are close to Watford.

“You recognise quality players and Joao Pedro has quality. In this system, he brings a lot of different things.

“But he has played three games and it’s important for him to work hard for the team.”

Striker Pedro played alongside Ismaila Sarr, whose work-rate was an example to any young strike partner. “We don’t need to speak of his quality because all of you know his quality,” Ivic said.

“But he works hard and he is a positive man who asks to play and wants to play. For me, it is important that players want to be here and want to play.”