Goalkeepr Rene Gilmartin has signed a new two-year deal with Watford, increasing the likelihood of Jonathan Bond moving out on loan.

The popular Irishman, pictured, returned to Vicarage Road last summer, signing a one-year contract, but was only named as a substitute in the league on four occasions.

Gilmartin, 28, was third-choice behind regular number one Heurelho Gomes and deputy Bond, who now appears set to leave Vicarage Road on a temporary basis in order to play regular first-team football.

He told Hornets Player: "I'm very happy. There's amazing people at the club.

"The people are great to work with, and the setup is amazing. England's first-team trained here today and I'm sure they enjoyed it.

"I remember when it was a very good setup, but now it's a different level. It's ready to go in the Premier League."

The England Under-21 goalkeeper, who is currently with Gareth Southgate’s squad as they prepare for the Under-21 European Championships, has seen Gomes ink a new three-year deal at the club and Lithuanian goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis sign from Romanian champions Steaua Bucharest.

Initially signed in 2010 by Malky Mackay, Dublin-born Gilmartin made just two Championship appearances in his first stint with the Golden Boys as he failed to dislodge Scott Loach.

He did, however, pick up six appearances in the FA Cup and League Cup.

Loan spells at Yeovil Town and Crawley Town provided more regular action before he joined League Two side Plymouth Argyle at the end of his contract in 2012.

He returned to Ireland to join St Patrick’s Athletic in 2013 but after two seasons he was back at Vicarage Road in a surprise switch last summer.