Hayden Mullins says Watford will need the support of their fans and is hoping to create “positivity throughout the whole stadium” when the Hornets face Crystal Palace atVicarage Road tomorrow.

There were some encouraging signs in the interim head coach’s first game at the helm in the 2-0 defeat at Leicester City on Wednesday night, but Mullins knows It’s points the Hornets need if they are to haul themselves towards Premier League safety.

Watford have not won a home league game since beating Fulham 4-1 last season, 12 matches ago, but Mullins is relishing the prospect of being in the Vicarage Road dugout for the first time.

“It will be fantastic,” He said. “We know we need to start fast. If we give the fans something to cheer about then they will be with us. We need them. We know it’s a game we need to attack and get the fans going and loud. We have to try to get positivity throughout the whole stadium.”

The 40-year-old, who has admitted he would “love” to take the role on a permanent basis, is savouring the opportunity he has been given this week following the sacking of Quique Sanchez Flores and has received “brilliant” support from the players.

He said: “I’m really enjoying it. It was a big challenge but last night was fantastic to lead the team out against Leicester who are a very good side. We knew the threats they posed so when we first heard we were taking over training session we looked at it and it was a short time to prepare. They’re a fantastic side but the lads responded really well. They performed manfully and we were happy.

“When you do your badges and you retire you want to stay in the game because you love it. When you work in the game in a first-team environment as a player, you understand how it is and what it looks like. When you start out and coach you use that in your plans towards the first team.

“At the moment it’s me working with the first team. I’ve been coaching the Under-23s and the academy for a while and now stepping up to the first team is a really good challenge and one I’m enjoying.”

Mullins continued: “It’s fantastic [nice things said by players about him] if it’s being said but I haven’t heard the comments. The support from the players is brilliant but we’re just trying to prepare for Crystal Palace.

“The last couple of days so much thought and hours has gone into Leicester and with the short turnover our focus has gone straight into Palace. There’s loads to get through at the moment and we'll prepare as well as we can. It’s a tough game but every match in this league is.”

The former midfielder came through the ranks at Selhurst Park and went on to make more than 220 appearances for the Eagles.

He added: “It’s a place where I started my career and I owe a lot to Crystal Palace but it’s a job we’re looking to do on them and hopefully we’ll do it.”