When losing an FA Cup tie and immediately looking ahead to the next Championship game, it is easy to forget that a number of Watford’s young players made their debuts at Reading.

However, they received words of praise from head coach Slaven Bilic and were also able to soak up the applause of a large contingent of travelling Hornets fans at the end of the game.

After the final whistle, a number of them reflected on the occasion.

Ryan Andrews:

“I found it an absolute joy! Hopefully there are many more experiences to come, but it’s a dream come true for me, my family and everyone that’s helped me in my career so far.

“In the first couple of minutes out there I felt a bit nervous, but that’s to be expected. After that I got into the game, got more comfortable, and having the likes of William Troost-Ekong beside me helped a lot.

“I’ve worked so hard throughout my time in the Under-18s and 21s, and I’m glad this moment came.”

Michael Adu-Poku:

“The game was physical, the defenders didn’t give me an easy time at all, but it was a good challenge. I tried to hold my own and give it back to them, and with experience I’ll get better.

“In academy football I’d say I’m more dominant, I’m a bit bigger than the players I come up against, but the players today were bigger than me which means I had to use my brain more and play off it.

“The support was brilliant, really motivated me and gave me an extra push when I was tired.”

Jack Grieves:

“I got on the ball a little bit, obviously coming into the first-team environment and a professional game it takes time to adjust, but I thought when I got on the ball I did okay, and did what I could off the ball to regain possession.

“I enjoyed it a lot. To make my debut for my boyhood club is everything to me, I’m really proud. It’s a shame about the result, but we’ll keep looking forward.

“I had my nan, parents and brothers here, it was nice to know they were there supporting me because they’ve supported me throughout my whole career so far.”

Tobi Adeyemo:

“Today was a terrific opportunity for me, I’m so grateful. To come on and make my professional debut, I’ve dreamt about this moment a thousand times, coming up from the Academy to make my debut is unreal.

“I just wanted to do what I’m good at, make runs, be aggressive and get beyond the defender.

“Me and Adrian Blake grew up together so to come on with him starting, and Michael Adu-Poku too - we played in the same Sunday league team - it was fantastic.”