Will Hughes’ omission from the Watford squad was, perhaps, the main talking point of Marco Silva’s first Premier League team selection.

The 22-year-old, who joined the Hornets from Derby County for an initial £4.5million, said himself he faced a tough task breaking into the Watford squad.

Silva has now had his say on the youngster’s absence on the opening day and insists he is not missing out for a want of trying.

“He is like the other players and I don’t like to talk about individuals. It is my decision and he needs to work hard,” Silva explained.

“He has done that and is a good boy who came here to work hard and try and earn a place in the XI.

“He shows me that in the week and after that I will make my decision.”

While Silva claims Hughes is having no issues with adapting to life in the Premier League, he accepts the move to Vicarage Road has brought with it changes.

Hughes had spent his entire career at Derby and the Watford head coach says his approach to the game is one the midfielder has to learn.

“It is a different idea for him and maybe a different style and of course he needs time to adapt. It is not only him, but others as well,” he said.

“He works hard every day which is the important thing.

“After this he needs time, which is normal. In this moment, it is completely different to what he is used to with a new coach.”

Hughes faces a tough task to make the step up to Watford’s starting XI, with the central midfield berth he craves being one of the most keenly contested in Silva’s current squad.

Abdoulaye Doucoure, Nathaniel Chalobah, Ben Watson and Etienne Capoue all appear to be in front of the England Under-21 international at the moment.