Harry Kewell is delighted with the progress Watford’s Under-21 side has made in the past three months but believes his youngsters still need a little bit more self-belief.

The Hornets formed the Under-21s in the summer following their decision to become a category two Academy under the Elite Player Performance Plan.

Kewell was recruited to take charge of the team and help develop players who it is hoped will one day make an impact in the Golden Boys' first team.

Results in the first two months of their Under-21 Professional Development League 2 South campaign were far from ideal and Watford remain bottom of the table.

But Kewell’s side are slowly turning things around and their performances have markedly improved.

And speaking after the Hornets' youngsters defeated Colchester United 3-1 this afternoon a pleased Kewell said: “We still let ourselves down in certain areas when we are sloppy but it isn’t as if teams rip us apart. I think only Crystal Palace have really ripped us apart.

“Other than that it is only down to the little mistakes we are making that has cost us. But this team is good. It is good. They just need to believe in themselves.

“Don’t forget that this is the first time Watford have been in category two. So this is the first time they are playing week in week out.

“They are still getting used to understanding each other because it is a change for them. Am I happy about where we sit in the table? No. But am I happy with the progress we are making with individual players? Yes.”

A goal from Alex Jakubiak and a brace from Victor Ibarbo helped the Hornets defeat Colchester at London Colney and Kewell was happy his players showed their grittier side to secure victory.

“I was pleased for the boys that they got the win because it wasn’t a pretty game, but you can’t always play pretty football,” Kewell said.

“I thought we controlled the game in many aspects, although we were a little bit slow in our play at times. But we dug in and got the three points which is great.”