Philip Zinckernagel's first league start for Watford was "brilliant" according to head coach Xisco Munoz, who praised the attacking midfielder's contribution to the 2-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers.

Zinckernagel was brought into the starting XI, along with Andre Gray and William Troost-Ekong, with suspensions and injuries ruling out other first team choices.

The Dane linked up well with fellow attacking addition Gray and provided the killer pass for the striker to score his second goal of the night.

Speaking after the match, the head coach said he was pleased with what he had seen from the player.

"I'm happy. I think he was a brilliant addition," said Munoz. "It was a good performance. It was the first game he played in the first XI. I think he gives good things for for the team.

Picture: PA

Picture: PA

"Every time I say the same about my squad, but this is the reality. Today we play with two new guys in the first XI and they gave a good level for our team."

Munoz was also encouraged by a first clean sheet in four matches after his usually-reliable defence started to concede more goals in recent weeks.

The Chairboys did not manage to muster one shot on target during the match on Wednesday and the boss felt his defenders had performed well to limit their chances in a difficult game.

“We know, another clean sheet is important for us to continue with this balance,” he said.

“I think the team, not only in defence, I think all the team give their maximum attention in the set pieces, when they try to shoot in front. It’s a not an easy game because they have good players. They have very good things, and they have full power.

“We need every day to get better and [to keep] growing up.”