Watford boss Walter Mazzarri says he is encouraged by the significant improvement made by Abdoulaye Doucoure.

The French midfielder made just two appearances during the first half of the season but has been given a run in the side this month.

Doucoure has benefited from the spate of injuries at the club but has taken his chance with a series of impressive performances.

The 24-year-old box-to-box midfielder has caught the eye and is one of the few positives during the club's seven-game winless run in the Premier League. 

Head coach Mazzarri said: “I’m very happy [with him]. He’s a young player that’s improved a lot.

"But he’s still got some things to improve especially on situations where you need more experience in the middle of the pitch.

"I’m also very happy we are making some very young players grow. An example is Brandon Mason where he made his debut in the FA Cup."

Doucoure almost moved to Lorient on transfer deadline day last summer but his recent displays suggest he has an important role to play during the remainder of Watford's campaign.