WATFORD boss Ray Lewington believes Clarets new boy Micah Hyde has underachieved in the game.

Hyde spent the last two of his seven seasons under Lewington at Vicarage Road before taking up Burnley's tempting offer of a three-year deal this summer.

And the Hornets boss insists Jamaican midfielder Hyde has all the necessary attributes to have made a name for himself in the Premiership.

"Micah served Watford well, but he was looking for a new challenge. He was going to go to Crystal Palace, but that fell through once Iain Dowie's men got promotion to the Premiership.

"But he needed a new challenge after seven years here and in my view, Micah is a player who should have achieved more than he has."

Lewington vowed to put Burnley on the back foot tomorrow afternoon after his side got their season up and running last Monday with a 3-0 home win over QPR.

He added: "Football is all about getting an understanding between players in the side and having the confidence to try something new.

"I want a work ethic right across the pitch and I'm not going to make any secret of that because I don't want us to rest on our laurels.

"If you stand off and let opponents have the ball, it's just as hard chasing them back towards your own goal.

"We've taken the view that we will get possession back as high up the pitch as we possibly can this season.

"Sometimes, the really top teams might play around us, but teams are going to have to work hard to break us down."