NEWEST recruit Alon Hazan, cannot wait to get into action for the Hornets.

"I want to prove to the men who worked so hard to bring me here that I am worth something. The main thing is to be good with the team and help to make the First Division next year," he said.

"I hope to play good on Saturday and, for the next game, I want the fans to see me progress - and the team progress to the First Division at the end of the season," said the strapping 30-year-old, who has been playing regularly in Israel up to a week ago.

"My main job is to fit in with the team."

Despite pressure from home and a hold up- "too long" - over the work permit, Hazan has made it to England and is looking to settle in and around the Jewish community in the Hendon area.

"It was a little dream for me that one day I could play professional football in England. That became more so especially after Ronnie and Eyal (Berkovic) having success and making a career in England. Now I have my chance and I have to prove myself," he explained.

He was under some pressure from his club, Ashdod, to stay. "My team in Israel put a lot of pressure to stay in the team because we are very successful and I have been playing good. They offer me a job after playing football but for me, it is a much better thing to do is to think about the present and not about the future.

"It is much better thing to do to come to Watford and play in English football than maybe think about being a manager maybe in the future."

Born in Ashkelon, Israel, he played for his town team as a youngster. "We didn't have tournaments between schools in those days. Now they have it. I was a young boy, playing football with friends and we practised with this team and I was 10 years old. I was invited to play for the team, whereas my friends were not signed.

"I stayed there for six years and then joined a club in the Israel First Division. I was the youngest one in the team."

Halon was 21, when he picked up his first international cap, playing a friendly in Greece.

"From that, everything continued to be successful. I have played 69 games for Israel so far and probably about 50 of them with Ronnie."

Asked which position he played, he confirmed the utility nature of his game.

"In the international team I have played in various positions because I am always the one to be moved if someone is injured or unavailable.

"I have played forward. I know the score and I know how to make the positions and make chances. Also I can help in defence during the game," said the 6ft 1inch player.

"I have averaged between seven goals and ten a season. Internationally I average about five goals because I play a guarding role in midfield, just in front of the defence.

"There are enough attacking players in the team who can score the goals."

While Rosenthal started at Liverpool and Berkovic at Southampton, Halon is happy to start lower down the league.

"When I was told that Watford are interested in me, I inquired where they were and how they are doing. I knew Watford as a good team from the past but I wanted to know about them now.

"Ronnie tells me that the team has a good chance and they want to go back to the top. I spoke with some of the people here and asked them how serious they are.

"I think it is a good move for me in that I can get used to the English game and we can progress together. I like the town and it is close to London. I also have been made very welcome by the people here and the players."

His wife Noah, is expecting the couple's second child any day now and she will be joining her husband from Israel after the birth, along with daughter Daniel "like the song of Elton".

Asked about his attributes, he contended that he is "quick and is a technical player."

'When the ball comes to me, I look to be constructive. I do not look just to shoot it away. I like to help all the players around me," said Hazan, who is 31 next September.

"I think the people here have made me feel very easy to play. People from the team and the staff have made me feel very comfortable from the beginning."

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