Wait’s worthwhile for happy Hector

MICHAEL HECTOR had waited a long time for this moment. Four months, to be precise, before he kicked a ball in earnest for the 17th club of his career.

But his debut for Fulham was worth the boredom and frustration – as the 27-year-old centre-half helped the Championship club turf outVilla.

It was not a perfect debut by any means for Hector, right. His error handed Villa an unlikely equaliser through Anwar El Ghazi.

That cancelled out Anthony Knockaert’s brilliant opener but another superb long-range strike from substitute Harry Arter, his first goal in more than two years, sent Fulham through.

Hector signed too late in the summer transfer window, having to kick his heels and train for four months before he could finally register last Wednesday.

He said: “It was good to be out there. I was struggling towards the end but I enjoyed every minute of it. It’s been a long pre-season.

“I missed the deadline by a couple of minutes. I’ve been training with Fulham since, so it was easy to come in.

“It was frustrating watching and not taking part. It’s been tough for my family, not being able to watch.

“They’ve been going shopping or home at weekends. My mum’s from Fulham so it’s good for her to be able to come now.

“When you play, that’s when you feel a part of it.You’re training, you’re part of the banter but deep down, you’re not really a part of it.”

Substitute Mullin’s late penalty completed the League One side’s comeback from 3-0 down with 25 minutes remaining to earn a draw and keep the magic of the FA Cup alive.

Now Mullin believes the Hornets are there for the taking. And he would love to face Troy Deeney and Co after Watford’s star players were rested as Pearson made nine changes.

Mullin said: “Can we win the replay? Yeah, definitely. I have every faith we can do it again and beat them the second time.

“They might not make so many changes and may put Deeney and the big boys back in. We have nothing to lose.Watford are expected to win.

“At 3-0 they were maybe thinking it will be more of the same. But we had totally changed our mindset and that may have taken them by surprise. They didn’t know we had more to give.”

In 2001, Tranmere came from 3-0 down to beat Southampton 4-3 at Prenton Park. Now Mullin wants TV executives to select their replay. He said: “It would be nice for the club.

“Prenton Park is a great atmosphere and it will be an even better on that Tuesday or Wednesday under the lights. We can’t wait.”

Tom DeleBashiru, Nathaniel Chalobah and