Slavisa Jokanovic believes George Byers could become an important player for Watford in the future but has told the first-year professional he will have to earn every minute of game time.

Jokanovic’s decision to exclude experienced duo Keith Andrews and Lewis McGugan from first team training and injuries to Almen Abdi and Sean Murray meant Byers was placed on the bench on Saturday for just the second time – the first coming as an unused replacement in August in the League Cup.

Byers came on for his professional debut as an 82nd-minute substitute and showed some nice touches during the 5-0 win over Charlton Athletic, along with a heavy challenge despite his slight frame.

Connor Smith was the more experienced option but Jokanovic decided to hand the Scottish youth international, who joined the Hornets at the age of seven, his debut. 

“George is a young guy who is working hard with us,” Jokanovic said on Saturday. “He is still young but he can be an important player for us in the future.

“Today I had three young people on the bench. I had to make a decision between George and Connor. I decided to give George the chance to play some minutes in the first team.”

Jokanovic added: “I am not thinking about young or old players. I try and use what I think is best for us, it is that simple.

“Today we are short on players so I have three young guys on the bench. It isn’t important if a guy is 17 or 35 years old. I understand about the future but for any one game I try and put what is best for my team.”

Byers signed a two-year pro deal with the Hornets last summer, with the club having the option of an additional year, and travelled to Italy for pre-season training last summer.

The midfielder was delighted to have made his first-team bow and believes he has more to show the Watford supporters.

“I'm over the moon. I guess it hasn't really sunk in yet, it'll take a few days, but I'm very happy,” he told the club website.

“I've been waiting for this moment for a long time, I've been patient, but now it's come I'm really happy.

“The lads were excellent today, the game was done anyway by the time I came on. I had a few chances to show what I can do but there's plenty more to come.”