It was an impromptu response but one that says a lot about Slavisa Jokanovic and the character of the players behind the scenes at Watford.

On Tuesday afternoon Jokanovic was asked about the importance of having Almen Abdi back fit for the crucial run in as the club chases automatic promotion.

The head coach gave his midfield maestro the credit he deserves but immediately switched his attention to a number of players who have rarely been mentioned this season.

Third choice goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin, young defender Josh Doherty, his fellow first-year professional George Byers, Vujadin Savic and Connor Smith have only made one substitute appearance this season between them (Byers versus Charlton Athletic in January), and each have only been on the bench a handful of times.

But whilst fans may not be aware of their contribution, Jokanovic was keen to stress the part they have played – and will play – as the club chases Premier League football.

"I expect Almen is going to be important in the games in front of us. Almen Abdi is an important part of my squad and with him my team plays more football,” Jokanovic acknowledged at London Colney on Tuesday.

"But it is not about just Almen Abdi; it is about the 11 men who will start and the three substitutes who will come on, those on the bench and those in the stands.

"I have spoken so many times after you have asked me about Troy (Deeney), Almen but for me very important players are Rene Gilmartin, Josh Doherty, George Byers, Connor Smith and Vujadin Savic because they make our job here better. They are working very hard with us and they are in the second part and people might not see what they are doing but they are doing a really good job for their team and they help us produce our best in games.

"They are a great part of this squad. I have never spoken about them before but they are very important people for me. The crowd might not have seen many of them play much but they do a very good job for this football club."

Jokanovic was referring to their attitude and application in training; the way they helped ensure their team-mates’ high standards do not drop.

It is no secret that Jokanovic had problems with some of Watford’s players earlier in the season, questioning their commitment and willingness to ‘fight for this club and team-mates’.

Those players have since left the club and for Jokanovic to single out the likes of Gilmartin, Doherty, Byers, Smith and Savic says a lot about those players, and the head coach himself.