Former Manchester United striker Federico Macheda was a surprise inclusion in Watford Under-23s' team in their 4-2 defeat at Hull City on Monday night.

The 25-year-old Italian forward, who left Cardiff City this summer, scored a goal for Harry Kewell's side as a trialist in their game at the KCOM Stadium.

Former Barcelona right-back Godswill Ekpolo also played as a trialist for the Hornets in their latest Professional Development League match.

Watford had an early chance to take the lead through Michael Folivi but his effort was blocked by goalkeeper Will Mannion.

The hosts opened the scoring after 14 minutes when Jarrod Bowen volleyed past Hornets keeper Charlie Bannister.

Watford almost levelled the contest but Max Ryan's header rebounded off the crossbar. 

But the equaliser came just after the half hour mark when Folivi was fouled in the area. Macheda stepped up and converted the penalty. 

Hull regained the lead six minutes into the second half after Will Annan rounded Bannister and tapped into the net.

But Kewell's side again responded and made it 2-2 when substitute Ogo Obi raced through on goal and fired past Mannion.

The Tigers restored their lead in the 81st minute when Jonathan Edwards headed home. 

Watford almost levelled for a third time but Ekpolo was denied by an excellent save from Mannion.

Hull rounded off the victory when Will Keane rifled a shot into the Hornets' net.

Kewell's side's next game is at home to Sheffield United a week on Friday.

Watford: Bannister, Ekpolo, Stevens, Stewart, Ryan, Rowan, Eleftheriou, Ovenden (Stray, 84), Macheda (Adeyemo 64), Folivi, Harry Forster (Obi, 48)