Tom Cleverley insisted there were positives to take from his side's performance despite the Hornets' heavy 4-0 home defeat by Leeds on Tuesday.
Speaking to BBC Radio Three Counties on Tuesday night, Cleverley said: "A tough night? Absolutely. We were in the presence of a very strong Championship side. It is one of the best teams I have seen at this level.
"It should give us inspiration that they are the levels we want to get to.
"There were some positives with the character we showed to try and play so I cannot criticise my players.