Vladimir Ivic wants Joao Pedro to realise his potential at Watford following a man-of-the-match performance against Middlesbrough.

The Brazilian started his first league match for Watford in the Championship fixture and made a big impression, as he led the line in attack.

The new head coach said if he continues to play as he did, he will be an important member of the team this season.

"The Championship is a long season – we have a lot of games," he said. "He showed that he can be one of the starters in our team. Everything depends on him. If he will work hard, if he will show his character like today, he will play normally.

"We know that we have a lot of players in this position who are injured and I hope that they will be soon with us, not just for this position, in other positions. In this moment, he did a good job, I know his potential is big and he needs to work day-by-day to show his real potential."

Asked if he enjoyed watching his side's victory from the touchlines, the Serbian said he would prefer to remain focused during the match, then enjoy himself after the full-time whistle.

"It’s a good start. It’s a clean sheet, we won the game and we can be satisfied with the result and with three points," he said.

"After the game, you can enjoy. During the game you are focused on the game and I’m the guy who wants to be 95 minutes with the team and try to give them direction, every second, if possible. To support them, to speak with them, if we can do it during the game, to do my job in the best way. After the game, yes, you can enjoy it."