Hornets forward Vata makes Republic debut
Rocco Vata joined Watford from Celtic in July
- Published
Watford forward Rocco Vata made his international debut as the Republic of Ireland came from behind to beat Bulgaria 2-1 in the first leg of their Uefa Nations League play-off.
The 19-year-old appeared as a 79th-minute substitute in Plovdiv, replacing Jason Knight, and was shown a yellow card within minutes of stepping on the pitch.
Vata joined Watford from Celtic in July and has scored three Championship goals in 25 appearances, 17 of them as a substitute.
The Republic of Ireland need to avoid defeat by Bulgaria in the second leg in Dublin on Sunday to retain their place in Nations League B.