Nigeria international William Troost-Ekong has been handed his full Watford debut by Head Coach Vladimir Ivić for Friday evening's Championship clash against Derby County at Pride Park Stadium, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

Troost-Ekong starts in a five-man defense also featuring Jeremy Ngakia,Christian Kabasele, Ben Wilmot and Kiko Femenia.

The center back has been rewarded with a debut after opting to leave the Nigeria camp in Austria shortly after their 1-0 loss to Algeria in an international friendly last week, so as to begin early preparations for the trip to the Rams.

A product of the Tottenham Hotspur Academy, Troost-Ekong was a non-playing substitute against Reading in the last game before the international break.

In a way it is a baptism of fire for the Dutch-born defender as he looks set for a duel with former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney, who has been named in Derby County's starting lineup.

Though Troost-Ekong featured in the U21 Premier League during his Tottenham Hotspur days, this is his first competitive match in English football at senior level.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles striker Isaac Success is still recovering from injury and has been left out of the Hornets 18, while Nigeria U23 international Tom Dele-Bashiru is a long-term injury absentee.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : watfordfc.com