Confidence is a thing easy to lose, but difficult to win back, and Marco Silva is in no doubt that results will be the only thing which will bring it back to his Watford side.

The Hornets showed commendable character to come back from a goal down against Leicester City at Vicarage Road on Boxing Day, but looked understandably nervous as they faced up to a possible seventh game without victory before Molla Wague and a Kasper Schmeichel own goal turned the game on its head.

The equaliser was notable for bursting the dam of apprehension which had afflicted Silva’s side in recent games, and they looked an entirely different prospect from then on.

The Portuguese head coach admits it will require more of the same for things to get back to the rosey outlook of October, when the Hornets saw off Arsenal, were fourth in the division and tempted Everton to move for his services.

He said: “Confidence is very important. We can do everything in the same way and I can talk good things for our players to win some confidence, but the most important thing is results. 

“That’s clear for all the clubs, not only us, and of course the win gives us these things. We need to show the same spirit and attitude to face Swansea.

“What can help us against them is if we play well and show the attitude and commitment as a team. That’s what will give us an advantage.”