It’s not often a position that attracts a lot of headlines, and when you win 3-2 there are generally other angles to talk about – but Slaven Bilic wanted to heap praise on his full-backs after Monday night’s 3-2 win over West Brom.

Mario Gaspar took time to adapt to the Championship after joining from Villareal where he had spent his entire playing career, but has looked far more at home since the turn of the year.

Over on the other side of the back four was James Morris, who was only making his fourth league start – and the Hornets are unbeaten in all of those games.

“They were both exceptional,” said Bilic.

“There were a lot of moments where they were exposed because we were attacking, and missed key passes that would have put us one v one, which allowed West Brom to break with pace.

“But the way our full-backs defended in those situations was great.

“To be fair to Mario, he has completely adjusted to English football. He is a different Mario to when I came here.

“He can play defensively against any winger and I thought he was really good against Burnley as well as tonight.

“James was great. I really wanted him to start the game well because young players sometimes drop if they don’t start well and the pressure mounts.

“But his first couple of moves were really good, and then I knew he had a good platform to play.

“He was really active. He wasn’t there just to pass the ball to the first teammate he saw, he was progressive and looking to make good moves and passes.

“Tonight James was excellent, both offensively and defensively.”

Morris came into the team due to a hamstring injury sustained by Hasane Kamara.

“He’s played for a couple of games where he’s felt on the verge of injury, and I was surprised because he didn’t come off against Burnley. He finished the game. Then the next day he was injured,” Bilic said.

“The scan is not showing something big, and he is feeling better.

“I think Sheffield United will be extremely difficult, but Preston is very likely for him.”