Matthew Briggs will ease Watford’s defensive problems . . . soon

Matthew Briggs has joined Watford on loan but the left-back has not signed in time to help the club out of an injury crisis for tonight’s match at Wolves.

Fulham manager Martin Jol yesterday confirmed the 21-year-old has made a temporary move following a spate of injuries at Vicarage Road.

“We have problems at the back,” said Watford boss Gianfranco Zola, who is without first-choice defenders Fitz Hall, Tommie Hoban and Neuton for the trip to Molineux.

“We needed a bit more support in that position, that is why we have considered him. He is a defender who can play in the middle, we also do not have a left‑footed central defender.”

Briggs (above) has made 27 appearances for Fulham since his debut as a 16‑year-old in 2007, when he became the Premier League’s youngest player of all time.

He spent time at Bristol City earlier this season and has also enjoyed loan spells with Leyton Orient and Peterborough.