Watford captain Manuel Almunia believes that inexperience cost his side in the Championship playoff final against Crystal Palace on Monday.

A penalty from Kevin Phillips was enough to send Palace into the Premier League, with the former Arsenal stopper bemoaning Watford's lack of experience.

"We have a young side and they have to get used to these kind of games, mentally you have to be prepared to be in front of 80,000 people," he told reporters at a press conference.

"It's not easy because it's the first time for many players and Palace have very experienced players."

Watford finished third in the Championship table.