The consistently impressive form of Mattie Pollock is evidence of what can happen when a head coach shows faith in a player.

The big defender has already played more minutes this season than he did in the whole of the 23/24 campaign, during which he came very close to leaving Watford.

Now he’s one of the first names on the teamsheet and has been a stand-out performer.

“Mattie has been really consistent and is a big leader among the group,” said Tom Cleverley.

“Like I’ve said before, age doesn’t really mean much when you have leadership qualities like he does.

“I’ve been really pleased with his consistent performances, and he has really improved his on-the-ball qualities.

“We all know how much he likes defending, and the art of defending, but on the ball he has really been composed.

“It’s amazing what a bit of belief from your manager does.

“He is one of many that I like to think we’ve improved and we will continue to put a lot of work into all the squad to make sure they all improve.”

With Angelo Ogbonna ruled out for some time with a hamstring injury, the return of Francisco Sierralta has been very timely and the Hornets have another defensive option waiting in the wings in the shape of Kevin Keben.

The 20-year-old Cameroon Under-23 international arrived from Toulouse in the summer but was carrying an injury.

He made his debut in Watford colours on Monday and scored as the Under-21s hammered Colchester United 7-0, having been six goals up by half-time.

“We’re going to review Kevin’s fitness, and see whether we think Monday’s Under-21 game with QPR would be the right thing for him, or for him to be part of the senior squad this side of the international break,” Cleverley explained.

“We can’t rush him back as he’s not played in a long time, but he’s training well.

“The game on Monday for the Under-21s against Colchester was a fairly easy test for him, so maybe one more game before he’s ready for the first team.

“I’ve liked what I’ve seen in training with him though.

“He gives us a lot of options: he could play right side of a back three, he could play right back in a four, or right centre back in a four.

“He brings us pace in the back line as well, which is something we’ve been lacking.

“With all respect to Colchester Under-21s, the game on Monday wasn’t a big test for him and I think he might need one more difficult test before we throw him into a Championship game.

“That might be the best way to manage him but he’s getting ever closer.”