Rodgers poised for Watford job

[Olzy]

Watford are set to name Chelsea reserve-team boss Brendan Rodgers as their new manager early next week, BBC Sport understands.

The Championship strugglers have been linked with the Northern Irishman following Aidy Boothroyd's departure earlier this month.

Rodgers impressed as Youth Academy Director at Chelsea before he took over his current post with the reserves.

This will be his first experience of management at first-team level.

Rodgers was Youth Academy Director at Reading before his move to Stamford Bridge in 2004.

Boothroyd left Vicarage Road by mutual consent after a poor start to the league campaign.

Malky Mackay has acted as caretaker manager and he was in charge for the 3-0 home win over QPR on Saturday.

The Hornets lie 21st in the Championship standings and two points clear of the relegation zone.

Watford have progressed to the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup, with Tottenham Hotspur their opponents.