Jonathan Bond was drafted into the Watford side at late notice for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough but he impressed at the Riverside Stadium and Slavisa Jokanovic says the young goalkeeper has a “nice future in front of him”.

The 21-year-old stopper was put into the Hornets’ starting XI after first-choice goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes picked up an injury in the warm-up.

Despite being rushed into the team Bond wasn’t fazed and made several key saves, particularly in the opening period.

When asked about the keeper’s performance, Hornets head coach Jokanovic said: “I am happy. He had an opportunity and he showed he is a talented and very good goalkeeper. He did a perfect job for us today. I expect he has a nice future in front of him.

“Bondy is working with us every week. This situation (replacing Gomes) happens sometimes in football but I am happy with his job.”

Bond’s appearance at the Riverside was his 20th Championship outing and he says Jokanovic reminded him and fellow stopper Rene Gilmartin last week that they should always be prepared to play. 

“We had a meeting with the manager a few days ago and he was saying to me and Rene to always be ready as you never know in this league," Bond told the club website after Saturday’s draw.

"It can throw up anything, like I’ve seen before in the last couple of seasons.

“You have to make sure you’re always ready so today I wanted to show that I was right on my game - and hopefully I did myself justice.”