Good things come to those who wait and for Orestis Karnezis the wait has been longer than most.

The Watford goalkeeper finally made his full debut for the club he joined last summer as he stood in for the injured Heurelho Gomes against Leicester City.

While a 2-0 defeat which proved to be Marco Silva’s final game in charge was hardly the ideal place to make his bow, Karnezis was pleased with his display.

The Greek international was solid between the sticks to help put to rest some of the demons of a disastrous cameo against Everton in November – his only other appearance this term.

He said: “I am happy that I played but I am not happy about the result and the life of a goalkeeper is like this. You must always be prepared, be ready and be ready to work and help the team.

“It is not easy [waiting to play] because for a keeper that doesn’t play it is not easy to adapt to the Premier League.

“Other players can play a half or 20 minutes, but for a keeper that doesn’t happen. It is a very particular position. I did my best and I am happy that I played.”

Defeat extended Watford’s struggles and they have just five points to their name since the end of November.

Karnezis accepts morale is low among the Watford squad and says hard work is the only way they can turn the corner.

“It is not a good moment for us after many, many defeats and we have to put our heads down and work harder to find some points in the next games,” he said.

“The mood is bad and when you lose it is normal that you are not happy. We tried to find solutions for not losing and that is why all the boys are sad about this result.”