Watford defender Younes Kaboul insists there is no cause for concern despite the team failing to keep a clean sheet this season.

The Hornets have been impressive going forward, scoring 12 goals in the Premier League. But Walter Mazzarri’s side have struggled defensively, conceding 13 times in just seven matches.

Summer signing Kaboul is not overly concerned by this record, although he admits the team are working on improving their solidity at the back.

The former Sunderland centre-back said: “As a defender, you always focus on getting the clean sheet for any game.

“But unfortunately football, as you may know, is a game that you can concede but the most important thing is to score more than the opponent.

“That’s the reality of this game. It hasn’t happened yet [a clean sheet] but we’re still early in the season and we’re looking forward and working hard in training to avoid conceding goals and keep a clean sheet.”

Watford have also shown a weakness from crosses with the team conceding eight from this situation already this season.

Kaboul said: “We need to be more focused then and be more aware of what’s going on to not concede these type of goals but we are working on it.”

The 30-year-old moved to Vicarage Road in August on a three-year contract and is optimistic the club can have a successful season.

Kaboul said: “I could have joined Watford last year but I thought it’s a club that has a good project for the future.

“There are some very good players here also so I’m looking forward to this season and doing even better than the last one.”

Kaboul does not think the side, currently 11th in the table, will have any problems staying up and believes the Hornets have the ability to finish as high as eighth in the top flight.

He said: “I think somewhere between eighth and 11th [is a realistic target]. I think we are able to be there.

“Of course it’s still early in the season, but as any team we know Christmas and Boxing Day is really crucial because that’s when you can pick up points in a very short period. The target is to do even better than last season.”