Short break in Portugal is just what Watford needed

Watford are raring to go again following their four-day break in Portugal.

According to assistant manager Nigel Gibbs, the 20-man squad have recharged their batteries after a gruelling January schedule and are ready to regroup for the Championship run-in.

Watford are 11 points off the play-off places but hope to kick-start a serious promotion challenge by beating Gillingham at Vicarage Road tomorrow. They also have Tottenham midfielder Johnnie Jackson back for a second one-month loan spell.

Gibbs said: "The lads fully deserved the break. Because of the hectic schedule, and our run in the Carling Cup, they have had very little time to themselves.

"It was good to get away from the rigours of the training ground and the Championship and instead walk on the beach or play golf.

"But the boys have worked hard since getting back. We need to push ourselves to get up the table."