Watford boss Malky Mackay has called on academy defender Adam Thompson for tonight's tie with Notts County at Vicarage Road.
The Northern Ireland Under-19 international is highly regarded, which is handy after the departure of Jay DeMerit.
Mackay, unable to field on-loan Jordon Mutch or free transfer Josh Walker, who is cup-tied, said: "Adam joined up with the seniors in pre-season and I'd have no hesitation in using him.'
Watford fans are still hoping Mackay will bring in loan signings to rival the impact made by Manchester United's Tom Cleverley and Henri Lansbury, of Arsenal, last season but the manager is focused on tonight's important tie.
He said: "This is a dangerous tie and this competition tells you if you don't apply yourselves, you can be in trouble."
