Pontus Dahlberg is hoping he can seal a loan move away from Watford this January after finding himself fourth in the goalkeeping pecking order.

The Swede gave an interview to Fotbollskanalen and claimed he needed more playing time to help him develop as a player.

A number of options were presented to the shot-stopper during the summer transfer window, but nothing materialised and now, with the return of Daniel Bachmann and Heurelho Gomes u-turning on his decision to retire, first-team football looks almost impossible for the 20-year-old this season.

"It feels like I need playing time and I haven't gotten that far," he said.

"At the same time, there is not much to do when the windows are closed and then you have to make the best of the situation and be ready for January and see if there will be any kind of move then.

"We tried to get a move and talked about it, but it was a difficult window for goalkeepers when quite a few moved. Sure there were some options, but the club was unwilling to agree to the terms offered. I will continue to train in a good environment, with high tempo and quality, but there are no match situations."

Despite a lack of first-team football, Dahlberg is happy with life in Hertfordshire and believes the club has enough talent to get out of their current predicament.

Although he has not spent a great deal of time with new coach Quique Sanchez Flores, the goalkeeper thinks the squad in general is very positive about what the Spaniard brings to the club.

"Watford is a fantastic city and club. It definitely feels like I've settled in well," he said.

"I live a little outside London in the north, so you don't have to hear the traffic. Life outside is absolutely top class.

"We [him and Sanchez Flores] haven't really talked much yet. The only thing I really know is that it feels like a good guy who got into a difficult situation. The feeling is that the squad has confidence and a positive attitude towards him.

"Of course, the mood is not at the top, as things have not been as good this year as last year. But I am convinced that we can turn this together. We have a strong squad."