Watford striker Uche Ikpeazu has returned to Crewe Alexandra on loan until January 25.

The 19-year-old has yet to make a first team appearance for the Golden Boys since joining the club from Reading in 2013.

But he spent the second half of last season on loan at Crewe and netted four goals in 14 appearances for the League One club which helped the Railwaymen avoid relegation.

Ikpeazu underwent ankle surgery in the summer which sidelined him for eight weeks. However, he then suffered another setback and was ruled out for a further two months.

The striker returned to action last month and played 45 minutes in Watford Under-21s’ 3-2 victory against Gillingham in the Under-21 Premier League Cup on Tuesday night.

Barry Quin took charge of the young Hornets for that match and said another loan spell away from Vicarage Road was vital for Ikpeazu.

“The irregularity of Under-21s football is not enough for him and it is difficult to break into the first team here,” Watford’s head of coaching explained.

“It will be good for him and also for us in the long-term.

“It is very important for young players to go out and get match fitness and match awareness. Learning your craft in games is much easier than in training.”

Quin continued: “We let the players go on loan but keep in contact with them, they also still come in and train and work with the medical people here.

“It stops them being closeted. They go into a new dressing room and a different environment. That helps them develop with new experiences.”