Cleverley On Call-Ups: "It's An Exciting Period"

Watford Head Coach Tom Cleverley believes the number of players the club has on international duty proves that there is a bright future at Vicarage Road.

Eight first-team players are going away with their countries during the March window, alongside a handful of Academy prospects.

Cleverley said he was pleased that so many young players are among the group, with their selection proving that there are opportunities for those who pull on a Watford shirt.

“The club is being well represented on the international stage, which I think is fantastic,” Cleverley said.

“The fact that a lot of those are 24 and under is even better.

“For me, and I’m going to say this, it’s an exciting period for the club. I think we’re really moving forward.”

The Head Coach, who was capped 13 times by England, takes a particular interest in bringing Watford’s young talent through.

“We are a club and a staff who are really passionate about developing young players,” he added.

“Our priority is results, but within that we have a really good framework of giving players opportunities.”

Cleverley admitted that losing so many players to the international break can leave challenges back at the training ground in London Colney, however.

“You can work individually and do a bit of physical work and things like that, but it’s difficult when you lose so many players,” he said.