Stipe Perica felt there was room for improvement after making his competitive debut for Watford against Oxford United, but was pleased to get his first 90 minutes under his belt.

The Croatian striker had several chances to score, but was unable to find the net as he repeatedly got himself in advantageous positions.

Speaking to the club website after the match, he said: “Honestly, I feel tired but I needed this game and I needed this 90 minutes and I think as times goes on it will be only better.

“It was a really tough game but, in the end, thankfully we have passed to the next round, which is the most important thing in this moment.

“Unfortunately I didn’t score, but I hope in the next game I will do better.

“My job is to score and unfortunately today I didn’t, but it was important we passed to the next round and the next game I think will be better for all of us.”

While Perica scored the Hornets' third penalty that ultimately put them through to the next round of the competition, it was goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann who took the plaudits, saving all three of Oxford's spot kicks.

The former Udinese man pitched in with some praise of his own.

“He [Bachmann] was perfect today and in the end he saved the three penalties, so it’s all compliments from me and I hope he continues like this,” he said.

“Every one of us has to do our job and his job is this.”