Marco Silva was pleased with what he saw from Mauro Zarate and Marvin Zeegelaar as the duo turned out for the Under-23s on Monday.

The pair are attempting to reach full fitness and picked up some valuable game time in the 4-2 win over Burnley.

Silva says getting valuable game time is an important step in their recovery and praised their performances.

He said: “They both did well. We took the decision because it’s important for them to have minutes in their legs – even if it is U23s, but he played a normal match.

“They worked really hard again in the week and now I will take my decision.

“Of course Marvin is closer with his position and with Mauro we need to wait more time because the big injury, but it’s good to see them come in normal situations.”

Zarate has been out with a cruciate ligament injury picked up in February and a goal in the win will have been a pleasing sight for those connected to Vicarage Road.

Giving both he and Zeegelaar time to play is the next step in getting them back in the first team and Silva admitted he could use the Under-23s to do the same with players throughout the campaign.

He said: “Not only Mauro and Marvin didn’t play the last match. We decided with both because we feel they need [minutes].

“For Mauro it’s clear because he’s had a lot of months out and Marvin didn’t play friendlies in pre-season and we need to give him minutes.

“It’s one thing that in special situations maybe we’ll do, but other times we will not.”