Rob Elliot was disappointed Watford couldn’t get the result to match their performance after a 3-1 defeat to Stoke City in the Carabao Cup.
Late Sam Clucas and Josh Tymon strikes saw the Hornets fall at the third round stage, after Ashley Fletcher had cancelled out Nick Powell’s first-half opener.
The goalkeeper made his competitive debut for the club having joined in January, and is pleased Head Coach Xisco Muñoz showed faith in him.
Elliot hopes the squad can take positives into Saturday’s match against his former club Newcastle back in the Premier League.
“In terms of dominating and creating chances, we pretty much ticked every box today. We need to be a bit more ruthless in front of goal, because at this level you get punished,” he said.
“Stoke came here with a game plan and stuck to it well, but there were so many positives to take.
“It’s just very disappointing with the result at the end because we did more than enough to win the game.
“I’m really proud [to make my debut]. I’ve been here a while and not really had a chance because the lads have done so well.
“I haven’t played in a long time and I’ve really missed it. I haven’t just come here to be number three, I try and push the lads every day in training. I was hoping for a little cup run but that wasn’t to be.
“The manager’s shown faith in putting me on which he didn’t need to do. I’m really pleased, really proud and I want to make sure I can keep pushing on a personal note to make more appearances.”
As well as Elliot midfielder Ozan Tufan made his first appearance in a Watford shirt, and the former is encouraged by what he saw of the players handed opportunities ahead of the weekend’s league return.
He said: “[Imrân] Louza has come in and has been unlucky not to get more minutes. He’s shown his quality and is still very young, a great mentality.
“Ashley Fletcher scored again, two in two and led the line brilliantly. He’s been unlucky not to get more chances with the lads already up front, and Cucho [Hernández] as well.
“We’ve got a lot of positives to take, we just need to make sure we don’t get down about the result and concentrate on the performance.
“Now on Saturday against Newcastle, if the lads who played today need to come on everyone’s sharp and ready to go.”
