Former Watford midfielder Allan Nielsen insists the Hornets can still beat the drop.

The Dane spent three seasons at Watford following his then £2.5m club record move from Tottenham Hotspur in 2000.

“The Premier League is the toughest and best league in the world," the former midfielder declared.

"Can Watford do it? I believe they have the players and belief to do it. In the last couple of months they have come very far but time will tell.

“They have a home ground that is tough to play at for away teams with Liverpool losing their unbeaten record there, so yes, I do think that they have a chance but then again we have to bear in mind that Watford is a small club in the Premier League. Let's be honest about that. You need strong finances because there's so much to the game nowadays but I do think that they can stay up.

“It's a 'London' club and we know how much competition there is at a 'London' club with all the big names and the money around so I think that Watford's rise throughout the years is really unbelievable and remarkable.

“And all I can tell the attitude among the current players is to enjoy every single day, every single year you can and learn as much as you can if you want to stay up.

“Keep on pushing and keep on believing. It will be tough but if you keep pushing and believing I am sure the club will have many more years left in the Premier League."