Slavisa Jokanovic says Daniel Pudil is working hard to regain his place in Watford’s first team but admits he will only use the defender if he believes it will help the Hornets side.

The Czech Republic international has been an unused substitute in the Golden Boys’ last six matches and, against Leeds United on Saturday, wing-back Ikechi Anya started at left-back ahead of the 29-year-old.

Pudil hasn’t completed 90 minutes for the Hornets since December 28 and Jokanovic was asked following Saturday’s victory over the Whites why the former KRC Genk player hasn’t featured in recent weeks.

The Watford head coach replied: “Daniel is working hard. He is part of the team and part of the squad. My decision in the last games is to not use him.

“So it is in his hands, head and his feet. He has shown he can play for us in the first team and that is it. He is working well and is trying to recover his place in the XI.

“The only thing he can do is continue to work. When I believe he can help us, I will use him.

“I can only use 11 players, that FIFA’s rules.”