Steve Bruce admits that Newcastle United would not have been able to fill the bench in their last Premier League game at Manchester City had it not been for their Academy back-up players.
The likes of Jack Young and Tom Allan were unused subs during the 5-0 defeat at the Ethiad Stadium.
Bruce suggested he is not looking to hand out any starts to young players unless it is absolutely necessary at Watford.
But believes that the experience will do the youngsters no harm whatsoever.
Bruce said: "We're always looking to try to bring through anybody from the Academy.
"With the injuries, if we hadn't have had the Academy lads we couldn't have filled the bench.
"I am sure they will have enjoyed the experience of going down to one of the biggest clubs in the world in Man City."
Bruce was without Isaac Hayden, Sean Longstaff, Jamaal Lascelles, Allan Saint-Maximin and Andy Carroll at Man City.
Bruce will run late checks on Lascelles (ankle) and Miguel Almiron (thigh).
