Kane Crichlow is determined to finally meet his own expectations of making his first team debut for Watford this season.

The Bermuda forward has endured mixed fortunes at Vicarage Road, since signing from AFC Wimbledon in 2019, breaking into the senior squad before seeing his progression curtailed by suffering a broken ankle while taking part in first-team training.

However, having made a full recovery the 20-year-old has reason for renewed optimism as he and his team-mates prepare to try and bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt, having suffered relegation to the Sky Bet Championship last season, starting with an opener at home to Middlesbrough on September 11.

“Obviously everyone at the club was extremely disappointed to be relegated, but I know the squad is determined to work hard and get back to the Premier League straight away,” said Crichlow to The Royal Gazette.

“On a personal level it could be a positive for my development because hopefully I might get more of a chance in the first team and show what I can do.

“Because of our position last season the coaches relied more on the senior players but hopefully this year more of the younger guys will be brought through and given a chance in the Championship.

“There will also be more games this season so if the squad has to be rotated I may get opportunities in the league and cup competitions.

“My first hope is to stay fit because obviously I had a bad injury last year breaking my ankle. If I can stay fit then hopefully I can finally make that break through into the first team and get as much game time as possible.”

As well as adapting to life after relegation, Crichlow was also faced with the prospect of trying to impress another new manager, with the former PAOK and Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Vladimir Ivic taking the full-time reigns from Nigel Pearson.

The former Serbia and Montenegro international is Watford’s fourth full-time manager in less than 12 months, but Crichlow appears to be in the in 43-year-old’s plans and revealed he has been impressed with the new manager’s no-nonsense approach.

“When I got back from the Summer break I started off with the under-23s because we started a week earlier than the first team,” Crichlow added. “However, about a week later the new manager called me back with the first team which was really encouraging, it’s been great being back.

“The new manager knows exactly what he wants from the squad. He’s a little stricter than the previous manager but I think that will be good for the club.

“There is definitely a structure in place and everyone has to answer to him. I don’t think there will be any foolishness and that should help us a lot.

“He’s definitely a no-nonsense type of character, he demands a lot and so far it has been good.”

In addition to making his mark with the Watford first team, Crichlow also turned his attention to his international ambitions stating his desire to represent Bermuda, who are preparing to travel to regional powerhouse Canada in their Concacaf World Cup qualifying opener on October 8.

“I’m always ready to play for Bermuda when ever I’m called upon,” he added.

“I want to play for my country and it would be an honour to do so.”