Learning on the job is something Jose Holebas has had to get used to over the past few weeks after being deployed as an emergency centre-back.

Injuries to Miguel Britos, Younes Kaboul, Christian Kabasele and Craig Cathcart have shorn Watford of a number of options at the heart of defence.

The lack of personnel and Javi Gracia’s desire to employ a back three has seen Holebas fill in at centre-back – a role the 33-year-old has, by his own admission, has struggled to come to terms with.

“I have never done it before,” Holebas said. “It was an emergency and we have no centre-back so I had to play there.

“I did it and I didn’t feel comfortable but to say no, I can’t do that. I tried to help the team and did the best I could.”

Despite his lack of experience in the position, Holebas produced an impressive display in his first outing at centre-back to help Watford to a 4-1 win over Chelsea in Gracia’s first home game.

The Watford head coach believes Holebas is better suited to a more familiar position at left-back, but has been pleased with the manner in which he has adapted.

“I do not think it is his best position but if you want to play with three at the back against Chelsea he was the only option,” he said.

“It was a good solution with a good result in that match. I think his best position is left-back playing with a four at the back, but I need to think what is best for the whole team.”