Cristiano Giaretta has moved to ease supporters' fears about players missing out of the match-day squad.

German-born Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was left out of Watford's opening day win over Sheffield United on Monday by manager Rob Edwards, the starting position going to Daniel Bachmann while Ben Hamer was named on the bench.

But any concerns that decision may have caused has been allayed by the club's sporting director who said the rule of 11, meaning there can be no more than 11 non-homegrown players in a match-day squad, will mean this will happen more often than not, certainly through the rest of the transfer window.

Speaking on the club website, Giaretta said: "The rule of 11 will have some influence for now but we are all committed with Rob’s aim of having only 11 non-homegrown players in the first-team squad after the window.

"It’s important we see August in a different way because things can still change until this month is over."