Watford manager Vladimir Ivic has told centre back Francisco Sierralta that he must prove he is capable of playing at this level if he is to establish himself as a regular in the side.

Sierralta joined the Hornets from Serie A side Udinese back in the summer transfer window, but has so far yet to make a league appearance for the Championship club this season.

Now it seems as though the Chilean may have to prove himself to Ivic before he is able to get that opportunity in English football.

Speaking about Sierralta's lack of game time so far, Ivic told Chilean outlet AND: “He’s a great kid, a very good guy and he’s working hard every practice.

“He knows that he must show us his level, and that is what he’s doing. At this moment we have five players in the central position, and Sierralta is one of those five.”

Although he has yet to feature for Watford in the Championship, Sierralta has been featuring for Chile in their recent World Cup qualifiers against the likes of Uruguay.

That however, is something Ivic appears to have no issue with whatsoever, as he went on to add: “We are happy with his matches with Chile.

“I know he played a great game against Uruguay, but in his position, I also have three other players who are international in their countries.”

Prior to his move to Vicarage Road, Sierralta had made just a single appearance for Udinese, although he had featured in Serie A and Serie B during loan spells with Empoli and Parma.
The Verdict
This is an interesting one, and you feel it could be a smart stance for Ivic to take.
Watford have started the season strongly, so it is not as though they need to make any changes by bringing someone such as Sierralta into the side.
As a result, these is plenty of motivation there for the 23-year-olf to win his place in the team, and once he does get his opportunity, you would expect him to up his game as much as possible in order to keep his place.
Indeed, given the domestic and international he already has, that is something you would expect him to be capable of doing.