Beppe Sannino wants Watford youngster Luke O'Nien to remain at the Hornets because he believes it is important to keep players who have a "spirit of belonging" to the club.

O'Nien, 19, came through the academy set-up at Watford before signing his first professional contract with the club last summer.

The midfielder is yet to play a competitive match for the first-team but when asked if he would consider letting O'Nien go out on loan, Sannino was clear.

“I want Luke O’Nien here," the Hornets head coach said.

"When I joined this club the spirit of belonging to Watford was important for me, even though I’m not British.

“And Luke, even though he is young, is like that. It is very satisfying to see him so strongly part of the club on and off the pitch."

“It’s like Lloyd Doyley for his long service - they are two players but one is young and the other is experienced but they both represent something that all the players should have, they live their lives for Watford.”

The Hornets let Bernard Mensah go on loan to Braintree last week and a deal was finalised on Monday for Uche Ikpeazu to join Crew Alexandra until the end of the season.

Sannino insists Ikpeazu is still part of his long-term plans but believes the 18-year-old needs regular football to aid his devlopment.

“I want to him play as much as possible and come back and help us in the future," Sannino said.

“Uche is a young player even if he looks like a big man. He needs to play because he needs to improve and gain experience."