Darren Sarll has praised his youthful Watford Under-23 side after they secured a goalless draw against Charlton on Monday.

A host of players under the age of 18 turned out for the Golden Boys and put in a spirited display to contain their opponents.

For Sarll, the manner in which Watford’s younger players performed bodes well for the future and he believes playing at Under-23 level will help them develop.

“I think we only had three players over the age of 18 in the side that finished the game,” Sarll told the Watford website. “It will probably be the youngest team that anyone will put out in this league all season.

“In a year or two years’ time we should have some strong prospects. I’m here to develop prospects, not to win Under-23 leagues or Under-18 competitions.

“I thought it was a real heart-warming performance. Our possession was scratchy and so was our passing at times, but as a minimum requirement you want effort and they did that against a huge side.”

The Hornets put up a resolute defensive display, which signalled a marked improvement on the manner in which they played against Ipswich Town in a 2-0 defeat the previous week.

Watford could even have snatched a victory as they pushed for a late winner and Sarll felt his side would have been good value for a win.

“I was willing the ball in, I really was,” the former Stevenage boss said. “They would have deserved that on the back of the second-half performance, which was great.

“Before you turn the tide of losses, you have to have that interim period of gradual improvement, which includes a 0-0 and a clean sheet away from home.”

Of Watford’s youthful contingent, substitute Imaad Sankoh caught the eye with a performance full of energy.

Sarll highlighted the impact made by the 16-year-old as he came on for the final 22 minutes and provided an attacking threat on the right.

“Imaad is one of only two I’ve signed since I came here,” he said. “I signed him because he has a natural hunger and enthusiasm, they are qualities I desire in all our players.

“What I like about him is that he doesn’t play with an ego, he’s a real carrier for the team, a real old-fashioned fetcher and carrier.

“I think he’s started off really well here and I think he has shocked a few of the boys here who have been here since they were nine. I wanted to reward him today as his performances for the 18s have been really outstanding.”