Ghanaian midfielder Prince Buaben has endured a difficult debut season in England but he says he is proud of himself and believes he will have a better campaign next time around.

Buaben joined the Hornets from Dundee United on a free transfer last summer but he was behind the rest of the squad when it came to fitness during pre-season and struggled to break into the side.

The 24-year-old had to wait until late October for his first start but John Eustace’s injury meant the Ghanaian enjoyed a long spell in the side, playing 15 of the next 16 games.

He then returned to the bench and started just two of the next 14 matches before coming back into the team against Cardiff City.

Manager Sean Dyche is a strong believer in competition for places and experienced squad members such as Eustace and Lloyd Doyley have also had spells on the sidelines.

But Buaben admits that while he understands the situation, he has found it difficult as only 14 of his 128 appearances in Scotland were from the bench.

He said: “I have not been involved for a lot of the time and that is hard when you have come from a team where you always play.

“The Championship is tougher than Scotland but I have got used to it, so I have to keep working hard and hopefully I will have more chances next season.”

Buaben had been training alone prior to his move to Watford and was surprised by the difference in fitness levels following his arrival.

The midfielder had played in the Scottish Premier League for four years before his move to Hertfordshire, but the Championship is considered a tougher league by many.

“It has been a tough season for me especially coming from Scotland and missing pre-season.

“That has been a big disappointment but hopefully I can get this season over, have a proper pre-season and hopefully kick-on from there,” Buaben said.

“I missed pre-season so I have no complaints [about not playing] but I am the sort of person who always wants to play. But at the end of the day, it is the manager’s choice so if he picks the team and I am not in it then I just need to keep my head up and support the team.

“Then when I am back in the team, I will always do my best for the team.”

It has also been difficult off the field as Buaben’s wife and child have been home sick and have moved back to Scotland for a while, although the midfielder expects them to return soon.

He said: “She is generally quite happy and the baby is happy so that is all that matters to me. He is 16 months now and he is trying to talk, but all he does is shout like a weirdo but he is funny.”

Buaben has spent most of his career in central midfield but has been used on the right by the Hornets on a number of occasions this season.

He has struggled at times but on Saturday put in one of his most impressive showings during the 2-2 draw with Peterborough United.

He said: “It is really tough because my normal position is centre midfield but I am happy to play in any position. I am all about football; as long as I play, I am happy.”

With his debut campaign in the Championship almost over, Buaben is looking forward to pre-season.

He said: “I am proud of myself that I have done ok and hopefully I can do better next season.”