Rob Elliot felt Watford had done enough to beat Stoke City in the Carabao Cup last night, but lacked ruthlessness in front of goal.

The goalkeeper made his Hornets debut, and his first appearance for anyone since December 2017, when he played his final game for Newcastle United.

But it ended in disappointment, as he was beaten three times and Watford went out of the competition.

“In terms of dominating and creating chances, we pretty much ticked every box today. We need to be a bit more ruthless in front of goal, because at this level you get punished,” he told the club website.

“Stoke came here with a game plan and stuck to it well, but there were so many positives to take.

“It’s just very disappointing with the result at the end because we did more than enough to win the game."

Looking ahead, the goalkeeper hopes he can now get on the pitch with greater regularity.

“I’m really proud [to make my debut]. I’ve been here a while and not really had a chance because the lads have done so well," he said.

“I haven’t played in a long time and I’ve really missed it. I haven’t just come here to be number three, I try and push the lads every day in training. I was hoping for a little cup run but that wasn’t to be.

“The manager’s shown faith in putting me on which he didn’t need to do. I’m really pleased, really proud and I want to make sure I can keep pushing on a personal note to make more appearances.”