Young Watford striker Bernard Mensah was "lost for words" after making his debut against Bolton Wanderers.

The 18-year-old came on in the 79th minute on Saturday for his first competitive outing for the Hornets.

Mensah, who progressed from the club's academy, was watched on by friends and the woman who hosted him in 'digs' but his mum had to work and his dad was in Ghana.

The striker, who can also play out wide, joined the first team squad full time this season after scoring 15 goals in 17 appearances for the Under-18s last season.

"It was pretty amazing, I’m lost for words," Mensah told Watford's website.

"It was a great experience and great to get my first appearance under my belt. Hopefully I’ll get some more before the end of the season.

"The hard work doesn't stop now, it starts now really, because I want to taste that again and have that experience again and again.

"It’s about me working hard, performing on the training pitch and in the reserve games that we play and in the Under-21s games we play. Hopefully I’ll get another experience like this again."

Mensah first signed a three-year professional deal with Watford in July 2011 at the start of his scholarship, with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly interested.

He then signed a second pro contract, which will expire in 2016, in January.

Zola said: "I was very pleased [to give Mensah his debut]. Bernard has been training very well and hopefully it will be good for [his career].

"He is one of our academy products and we are always proud and pleased when some of them make the step up to the first team."

Zola has previously indicated Mensah is among the club's young professionals he plans to send out on loan but that was before the club's recent injury problems.