Watford boss Malky Mackay has no real injury problems ahead of tonight's game at Carrow Road. Centre-half Martin Taylor - who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Carrow Road at the end of 2007 - missed last week's friendly match against Charlton with a minor ankle injury, but returns for the opener.

Watford boss Malky Mackay has no real injury problems ahead of tonight's game at Carrow Road.

Centre-half Martin Taylor - who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Carrow Road at the end of 2007 - missed last week's friendly match against Charlton with a minor ankle injury, but returns for the opener.

Dale Bennett also picked up an ankle injury in the friendly against Northampton but he is expected to be fit to take his place on the bench. Bennett can play centre-back or right back.

Scott Loach is expected to be in goal and make his 100th league appearance - at the same ground where he reached his half-century 16 months ago.

Mackay has recruited defender Tom Aldred from Carlisle on a free and is likely to hand him a place among a young substitutes' bench.

His hand has been forced by the financial constraints at Vicarage Road, which have seen him offload his high-earners.

Jay DeMerit, Jon Harley and Will Hoskins were all released at the end of their contracts. Mackay - who had loan players Henri Lansbury and Tom Cleverley last season - is still hoping to make temporary signings.

Meanwhile, striker Marvin Sordell thinks the Hornets' young squad can establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the new Championship season and "prove the doubters wrong".

Sordell played a bit part role last campaign, but managed to capture his first League goal in a 4-0 away drubbing of Coventry City.

Now he feels that there is a lot to come from this set of players.

"We know we have a lot of youngsters in the squad, but everyone's determined and I think that having a young side is a good thing," the 19-year-old told Watford's official website.

"Some people may see it as we need more experience in the side but a lot of young players means there's a lot of hungry players and everyone wants to do well and really show what they're made of.

“The great thing at Watford is that you're never far away from a shot at first-team action, something Lee Hodson and many others last year are great testament to.

"Watford have a very good reputation for bringing through players and everyone knows that Malky Mackay will give you a chance," he said. "The youngsters have come back for pre-season looking so sharp and very fit."

The teenage marksman has looked lively in pre-season games, scoring in the 3-3 draw against Northampton Town, despite suffering from a fractured wrist. Now he just wants the season to start - preferably up front in the starting eleven.

"I've come back to pre-season so hungry and I want to do well. Not just for me but for the club as well because I know there are a lot of fans looking at the season and worrying. Everyone at the club wants to work really hard to prove the doubters wrong."The youngster is relishing the chance to shine in front of the TV cameras.

"I think it could be a good thing, to be honest, because no one wants to look bad on live TV and everyone is going to be watching. Everyone wants to start well so we can stamp our mark on the league. Norwich are a team that have just been promoted from League One, so don't get me wrong they will be confident. But why shouldn't we be too?"