Captain Craig Cathcart said it was difficult to pinpoint what is going wrong for Watford at the moment after the disappointing 0-0 draw with Preston on Saturday.

The Northern Ireland international returned to the side on Saturday for the first time in a month, and while a clean sheet was pleasing the failure to create a great deal at the other end of the field – especially in the first half – was the biggest cause for consternation.

“It’s hard to put a finger on it at the minute because we do get close to the goal and in and around the opposition box, but things just aren’t really going our way,” he said.

“We might need something to deflect in and build some momentum. It’s frustrating, but we’ll take a point and move on, and try to do better next game.

“In the first half we were a bit slow with second balls, we didn’t really get going but in the second half we were much better.

“We created a few chances but to come away without three points again today is very disappointing.

“We’ll try to take the positives from today’s game, especially in the second-half performance, try to improve and score goals to get the three points.”

On a personal level, Cathcart didn’t have his best outing and was replaced by Mario Gaspar with 20 minutes to play.

“I’m getting old, was playing right-back and it was the first game back from my injury so it probably all took its toll a bit, but that’s one of those things,” he said.

“I’ve been back in training for maybe a week now, I’m feeling better but just need to build that fitness up.”

• Joao Pedro made his 100th appearance for Watford on Saturday, and he was equally frustrated that it didn’t end with three points.

“This is not the way I wanted to celebrate the milestone, but I’m very happy that today marked my 100th appearance with the club. I’m hoping there are many more to come,” he said.

“We knew we needed to win this game. It was a difficult one and we need to find a way to start winning games again and work hard over the week ahead for the next game.

“I think we need to be more focused in the last third of the pitch and more aggressive when we are close to the box.

“It’s very important to have the fans behind you and it’s very important that they are with us, and they are with us in this difficult moment. Having their love is really special for me and I need to thank them as well and show my appreciation to them.”