Manager Adrian Boothroyd believes Jackson will provide ideal cover for Jay DeMerit, who is expected to feature regularly for the United States next season.

“With Jay going away for international duty and our not knowing how he will come back, the signing of Matt gives us a player with calmness and an ability to manage the game,” Boothroyd told the club’s official website, www.watfordfc.com.

“Jay has been brilliant for us and will continue to be, but we need to give him the benefit of recovery next season.

“It is going to be a grind, particularly the 28 games until Christmas, when we have to break the back of the games and get wins under our belt.”

Boothroyd is also keen to tie up a deal for Crystal Palace winger Jobi McAnuff as he begins to re-shape his squad for the 2007/08 campaign.