Nigel Pearson is hoping Nathaniel Chalobah takes confidence from his display against Wolverhampton Wanderers after playing a key part in the Hornets’ 2-1 triumph.

The midfielder came back into the starting XI in place of the injured Will Hughes, the player he replaced at half-time in the victory over Aston Villa, only to then be replaced 15 minutes later when Adrian Mariappa’s sending off led to the tactical switch.

The Hornets head coach praised the way Chalobah dealt with that disappointment after the 3-0 win, and is hoping the midfielder can now take the positives from his display yesterday to spur him on further.

Pearson said: “He had a bad experience last week when he went on as sub and came back off. He’s a player who is very self-critical. We all know how well he’s played for the club and he’s got a real emotional attachment to the club, so he cares a lot.

“He will probably say that’s he’s a bit frustrated that he’s not been able to play as well as he can play, but I thought he was great today.

“He did what we needed him to do, his work rate was exceptional, he did some really good things with the ball and hopefully today’s performance will make him reflect slightly more kindly on himself because he’s a good player.”