Watford sign Middlesbrough defender Andrew Taylor

Taylor had a hernia operation in January

Middlesbrough defender Andrew Taylor has joined fellow Championship side Watford on loan until 5 January.

The 24-year-old left-back has featured once this term, as a substitute, for Gordon Strachan's side.

Hornets boss Malky Mackay told the club's website: "Andrew is someone we've been tracking for a while.

"He is naturally left-footed so will give us something different as he joins our defensive options. We're delighted to have him here."

He added: "It's a period of time where he can really get settled in and enjoy playing regular first-team football again."

Taylor had his most successful season four years ago, making 42 of his 125 Boro appearances in the 2006-07 campaign.

The former England Under-21 international's only other loan spell came in 2004 when he played 26 times for Bradford City.

He will join fellow ex-Riverside players Danny Graham and Josh Walker at Vicarage Road.