Watford manager Brendan Rodgers has vowed to give Latvia international Aleksandrs Cauna every chance to make his loan move permanent in the summer.

The 21-year-old midfielder marked his full Hornets debut with a goal in last night's 2-2 draw with Southampton at Vicarage Road.

Rodgers said: "What we need to make sure is that he has the right DNA for Watford and he will get that chance in the remaining games.

"There's not a great amount of money here to spend but the club will be as supportive as they can."

Cauna was signed in January but Rodgers, who had taken him on trial for Chelsea reserves 18 months previously, used him just once as a substitute before handing him a start against Southampton last night.

Rodgers said: "He has had to be patient. Football in this country is different to international football but he has adapted well. His commitment was good, he has a great left foot and he is still young.

"His contribution was good and he will only get better."

Saints goalkeeper Kelvin Davis won't want to see a replay of Cauna's 21st-minute strike from a tight angle on the left of the box.

Rodgers said: "People will look at the goalkeeper but the only person I've worked with who hits it harder is Alex at Chelsea. Cauna has real power in his strike."

The draw left the Hornets in 15th place, nine points above the drop zone with five fixtures remaining.

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