'To make mistakes is the only way to learn'

Watford boss Javi Gracia is willing to give the young players in his squad licence to make mistakes as they look to push up the Championship table.

Othmane Maamma, a recent Under-20 World Cup winner with Morocco, became the latest to make his Hornets debut when he was sent on as a substitute in Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town.

"He needs to play more like all the players, all of them need minutes to show what they are able to do," Gracia told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"I don't like to speak about individuals, I recognise all of them deserve to play, all of them need time to show what they can do.

"Some of them are very young and they need time (on the pitch), they need to play and to make mistakes is the only way to learn."

Watford are 12th in the table, but only four points away from the top six, going into Friday's home match against Bristol City.

Gracia said he was unconcerned at having to play again just three days after the Ipswich game.

"I don't know if I play at night, in the middle or in the morning. I don't mind, I only focus on the game and try to do a good job," he joked.