Christian Kabasele’s progress this term has been praised by Marco Silva as the Watford head coach continues to deal with a defensive selection headache.

An injury crisis, which has seen Sebastian Prodl and Younes Kaboul be ruled out of tomorrow’s clash with Manchester City, as well as Miguel Britos’ suspension has pushed Kabasele into the limelight.

After struggling last term the centre-back has done well in the absence of more senior names and Silva has been impressed by what he has seen.

“He’s a boy who likes to work and to learn. It’s a different style of defending what we’re doing this year in the team; different ideas too,” Silva said.

“He understands well and he’s one boy with very good skills as well to improve – I believe.

“He did well in the last match too and we’ll see in the future. I’m sure he needs to continue to work in this way and I’m sure he’ll do that.”

With no timescale given to the Prodl and Kaboul’s injuries, Kabasele could be set for a prolonged run in the team.

He will look to help Watford to a fourth straight clean sheet when they face Man City at Vicarage Road tomorrow.