Watford may have exited the Premier League Under-21 Cup following a 3-2 defeat against Southampton but David Horseman says those who featured at St Mary’s are a credit to the Golden Boys' Academy.

The Hornets fell behind in the contest after 70 seconds when Jake Sinclair netted, however, Bernard Mensah struck to send the two sides in level at half time of Thursday’s contest.

Filip Djuricic, who joined the Saints on loan in the January transfer window from Portuguese club Benfica, put Southampton ahead in the second period and then Josh Sims added a third.

The Hornets netted a consolation goal in the dying moments when Michael Folivi scored his 33rd goal of the season.

Whilst Watford were unable to make it through to the semi-finals of the competition, lead professional development coach Horseman was impressed with his young players.

"I thanked them in there, they're a credit to the Academy," he told the club website.

"I think for long periods we controlled the play. Individually, performances were excellent.

"The fact that they [Southampton] regularly play as a team showed, they had a bit of cutting edge and quality in the final third, but overall we can be proud of the way our boys played tonight.

"There's a lot of courage in that dressing room. Watford have a passing style in the first-team and we need to replicate that - we did tonight.

"Anyone who watched would have seen we have some good individuals, and a potentially very good Under-21 side."