Midfielder Jake Livermore recognised the last few weeks have been difficult for everyone connected with Watford, including the fans, but believes the boost of an away point and an international break will help them turn the corner.

Before the 1-1 draw at Cardiff, Watford had lost three on the trot and while the game in Wales didn’t end the nine-month wait for an away win, it did show some fortitude and small green shoots of recovery.

“We need to take the positives out of the game, especially at the minute during a tough period for everyone - the boys, the staff and the supporters,” said Livermore.

“I think today, to stop the bleeding and get a decent point, was good.

“It was nice to put our arms around each other and have a go, which really is the bare minimum you’d expect.

“I’m confident it’ll all come together - it’s been tough but we’ve got a few days to regroup now and then we’ll go again.

“It was a good performance. I thought we had the best chances, and I think we were solid - apart from a good chance they had in the first half I don’t think there was much to worry about.

“Cardiff are a good side and they have good individual quality, but I thought we dealt with it well.

“I thought the boys at the back were brilliant, the boys on the wing and the subs who came on were excellent, and Bayo up top was fantastic.”

The former England international was making his first appearance since August 19.

“It was great to be out there again,” he said.

“All I want to do is help the team - that’s what I’ve been brought in to do one way or another, and it was good to get some minutes in.”

After many players failed to recognise the travelling fans at Sunderland on Wednesday, it was noticeable that after the game all of them, plus head coach Valerien Ismael, the unused subs and staff from the bench, headed to the corner where the Watford supporters were housed at Cardiff.

“There was fantastic support from the fans again. It doesn’t go unnoticed - we do really appreciate the numbers coming down to back us,” said Livermore.

“Hopefully we can give them something to shout about in the coming weeks.”