Watford boss Gianfranco Zola says he expects a reaction from Fernando Forestieri after a subdued substitute appearance during the draw with Crystal Palace.

While admitting that it was a tough game for the Argentine to make an impact, Zola expected more from his player and said: "I was expecting that Fernando, with fresh legs, would have given us something more in midfield also. It didn’t happen."

He continued: "Certainly it’s not easy to come on in a game like that but he’s a quality player and that is the standard we are playing in so he has to adapt. Fernando has been brilliant for us in the previous games. He wasn’t as good [on Friday] as before but I’m expecting a reaction from him."

Forestieri came on for Matej Vydra in the second half and Vydra also struggled to match his usual high standards.

Vydra only returned to England the day before the Crystal Palace match following international duty with Czech Republic and despite the Pozzo family arranging a private jet for the striker, Zola believes the 20-year-old's hectic schedule had an adverse effect on his performance.

The Hornets head coach said: "I’ve been in the same situation [as Matej] and when you come back, you’re never the same player. You’re not the same player because there’s a lot of travelling, a lot of things going on and it’s normal that you’re not on the same level.

"I wanted to leave him [on the pitch] a little bit more but I saw that he was having a few problems."