Luke O’Nien says he sought advice from Tommie Hoban before joining runaway Ryman Premier leaders Wealdstone on loan, in a deal which will expire on April 27.

The 19-year-old, who has already developed a reputation for being one of the club's hardest workers, made his Hornets first-team debut against Barnsley on March 15.

Head coach Beppe Sannino is a huge fan of O'Nien but the club have decided to loan out the Academy graduate because they have six midfielders in front of him in the pecking order.

"I’d like to thank Watford for preparing me well all this season and I’m now looking forward to working with Wealdstone," O’Nien told Watford's website.

"I’ve been following them and they seem to be doing very well at the moment, so I’m going to go and give it my all and work my hardest there.

"I spoke to Tommie about it, I remember when he was there he got quite a few games and he enjoyed his time and learnt a lot, so I’m looking forward to doing the same.

"I just can’t wait to start working there. I’m going to work my hardest whether on or off the pitch and hopefully carry on the good form they’ve had."

Wealdstone are ten points clear at the top of the Ryman Premier and have games in hand on the sides below them.

The non-league club have a long-standing relationship with the Hornets. Marvin Sordell, Britt Assombalonga, Connor Smith and Theo Robinson are just some of the professional footballers who have had their careers enhanced by a spell at Grosvenor Vale.

O'Nien is from Hemel Hempstead and joined Watford at Under-9 level.

Read an interview with O'Nien after he made his Hornets debut here.