Sebastian Prödl couldn’t help but smile. The towering defender had just been asked how Watford’s players felt about being constantly underrated by pundits and columnists. “People should never underestimate the underdog,” he replied. “And that is what we are.”

But for how much longer? After all the Hornets sit tenth in the Premier League table, have been beaten just once in six league matches and are above the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool.

Eventually - you imagine - those pundits and experts will cotton on to the fact Watford are much more than the relegation fodder many outside of the club expected.

In the past three months Quique Sanchez Flores has developed a side who are perfectly capable of holding their own in the top flight. Newcastle United, Swansea City and Everton supporters can attest to that.

Prödl, however, has no interest in listening to anyone’s opinion on Watford’s start to the campaign. But that is not down to misplaced arrogance or pig-headedness.

“The focus has to be on ourselves,” the 28-year-old said. “We know we can still improve a lot. We have played good games and have had good spells in matches but we are not at the point where we can say we are 100 per cent happy with what we are doing.

“We have to keep getting better if we want to stay in the Premier League. We have to keep on playing like we are. I always say people should never underestimate the underdog. And that is what we are.”

He continued: “We don’t listen to people who are on the outside. We separate that completely. We know we have great support from our fans and it is important to see them happy after the game. Anything other people say isn’t important.”

If Prödl was to take a quick glance on social media though he is likely to find countless posts and tweets about his excellent performances in the heart of Watford’s defence.

The Austrian international has adapted seamlessly to life in the Premier League following his move from German club Werder Bremen in the summer and has formed a formidable partnership with fellow centre-back Craig Cathcart.

“We are doing a great job as a team in terms of defending,” Prödl explained. “But it is not just about the back four. It is about everyone in the team.

“Our centre midfielders do a great job and help us very much. Of course, as a central defender, you are disappointed about any goal you concede.

“We have produced good performances in the last week in defence [against Swansea and Newcastle] but we can still get better. A good defence is the key to winning in the Premier League and so far we’ve done a good job.”

Off the pitch Prödl is starting to feel at home in Hertfordshire. He is moving into a house this week with his girlfriend and their cocker-spaniel but was tight-lipped as to where he will be living. “It is too private,” he said.

However, it will not be a relaxing first weekend in their new home as Prödl will be preparing for Watford’s first television appearance of the campaign.

The Golden Boys face Crystal Palace at Vicarage Road on Sunday with the game being broadcast live on Sky Sports.

“We are doing well at the moment and want to continue this form,” the centre-back said. “Nobody knows how long we can keep winning. We have a very difficult game against Crystal Palace because they are a tough opponent who are very good away from home.

“I think we can take more confidence from the win [at Newcastle] and we can look forward to Sunday.”

He added: “It is a lot of fun working with the manager. We are happy but football is very quick and you can’t be happy for too long.

“We have a strong opponent waiting on Sunday. Now we have to think and prepare for that game.”