Watford winger Ikechi Anya has revealed that he believes his side will reap the benefits of their loss to Sevilla ahead of their Premier League opener next week.

The Hornets went down to a 1-0 defeat to the Europa League champions as Vitolo scored the only goal of the game at Vicarage Road.

However, Anya is upbeat over his side's display and feels that the performance will stand them in good stead for their upcoming matches in the top flight.

"That's the type of opposition we will be coming up against week in, week out," Anya told the club's official website.

"It was a good test, they aren't the champions of the Europa League for no reason, and they are obviously a good team."

Watford open the Premier League season against Everton at Goodison Park next Saturday.