Cleverley is on loan at Watford from Manchester United until January

Watford boss Malky Mackay says he has been impressed with midfielder Tom Cleverley's efforts since joining on loan from Manchester United last month.

The 20-year-old scored the winner for the Hornets just four minutes into their match at Plymouth on Tuesday.

And Mackay told BBC London 94.9: "He's a great character, so enthusiastic and has shown in every game he's quality.

"He's actually scored goals, he's set up goals and he's shown a real willingness to be a team player."

After a loan spell with Leicester City last season, Cleverley has now netted three times in five games for Watford.

Since joining the Vicarage Road outfit in August, Mackay says Cleverley has fitted in well in his youthful squad, who are beginning to show a lot of initiative.

"They've been really alive the youngsters as far as that's concerned," the Watford boss said. "You know they're alive to any sort of little effort.

"You play on a quick free-kick if someone doesn't pick you up. We worked it again from the corner two or three times but the one that counted obviously scored the goal and it's just something like that, that wins the game. "

And speaking after Tuesday's 1-0 win at Plymouth, Mackay said he is confident in his side's future potential as they continue to develop.

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