Trialist Aiden Palmer has been included in Watford Reserves’ starting line-up for tonight’s game with Southend United.

Palmer, who was sentenced to 22 months in jail for violent disorder in 2009, is a 24-year-old left back who came through the ranks at Leyton Orient and has also played for Dagenham and Redbridge, Cambridge United and is currently at Bishops Stortford.

Centre back Tom Aldred, who is yet to make his first team debut since signing from Carlisle United in the summer, is in the starting XI alongside a number of scholars who have signed professional contracts with the club.

First-year scholars Jack Bonham and Sean Murray and second-year scholars Chez Isaac and Britt Assombalonga, who have all secured pro deals, will line-up at Boreham Wood’s Meadow Park. Kick-off is 7pm.

Watford starting XI: Bonham; Horner, Aldred, Hoban, Palmer (T); Hamilton, Isaac; Murray, C Smith, Tumwa; Assombalonga.