Francisco Sierralta was buoyed by a number of positive signs during Watford’s narrow pre-season defeat at Crystal Palace on Saturday (July 22), as the Hornets took another step towards completing their preparations for the fresh Sky Bet Championship campaign.

Edo Kayembe’s neat edge-of-the-box finish ultimately wasn’t enough to extend the team’s unbeaten run in pre-season - with Odsonne Édouard striking twice for the Eagles - but an effective high press and strong intensity were among the factors that stood out for the Chile international.

“It was a good test against a good team,” Sierralta said. “It was intense, and I thought we played really well, particularly in the first half. We pressed and kept the ball, and I think it will stand us in good stead ahead of the first game against QPR.

“We’ve come up against good teams in Arsenal and Crystal Palace and we’ve done well. We know that we just need to keep going, continue to press like we did today and show what we can do.”

As he has done throughout the Golden Boys’ friendly outings this summer, Sierralta was largely utilised just in front of the defence in the hour he was on the pitch in South London, and he explained he is enjoying the slightly more advanced role.

And with just under two weeks to go until Queens Park Rangers visit Vicarage Road for the start of the 2023/24 campaign (Saturday August 5, 3pm KO), the 26-year-old - who missed a large part of last season through injury - is itching to get going.

Sierralta added: “I really like playing a bit further forward. When I was young I often played there, as a number six, so it’s not completely new. Sometimes we play with three at the back, and sometimes I’m just in front, and I’ve liked it so far.

“I think the team is nearly ready [for the start of the season]. We need to carry on doing what we’ve been doing, but I’m definitely very excited to be back out there and to get the new season started again.”

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