Harry Kewell says he wants to cause Watford head coach Quique Sanchez Flores problems this season, but only because he wants players from the Hornets’ Academy pushing for a first-team spot.

The former Leeds United winger began his role as coach of Watford’s Under-21 side last week and has been impressed with the talent in the Golden Boys’ youth ranks.

And while Flores will be attempting to keep the Hornets in the Premier League this season Kewell’s task is to develop youngsters who can make the step up from youth football to first-team football.

“My idea is to push them into the first-team and to give the manager problems,” the former Australian international told the club website.

“They understand what they need to do, and the good thing is they're in Category Two this year so they’re going to play 30 games, which is important.

"It's all about them and getting the best out of them. The great thing is there is some great talent in there.”

The 36-year-old only ended his playing career last season. It was a career that spanned 18 years and included a Champions League victory and an FA Cup win.

He has represented the likes of Liverpool and Turkish giants Galatasary but Kewell says Watford’s family values set the Hornets apart from ‘bigger’ clubs.

“It (the chance to join Watford) came up about a month ago and I thought it was a great chance to not only join a Premier League club but I hear a family club,” he said.

“For all the big clubs out there - and they’re great - but there is nothing better than to be involved in a family club and since I’ve been here it's been fantastic.”

Kewell continued: “From the first time I met him (Flores), he seemed a very confident person. He understands football, he knows football, he loves football, and you get that message straight away.

“He never hides anything from me. Some managers, and I’ve seen it when I’ve played, they don’t really care about the reserve teams. They just sort of say 'you do what you’ve got to do', but he wants to know.

"He wants to get them involved and push them and I think that’s great. So when I’m not directly involved with the Under-21s I’ll be there watching him, trying to understand his philosophy and learn from him.”