Watford’s players will be in training throughout the Christmas period as they attempt to improve the poor form which has seen them lose four of their last five matches.

The Hornets players will be coming in to their London Colney base every day from now until they face Bristol City on December 28.

“The players have a game Boxing Day [against Nottingham Forest] so they will be in training Christmas morning,” manager Malky Mackay said.

“Then we are in all the way through as we have a game Boxing Day and then another game again two days later.

“We are travelling down there to Bristol so we have to make sure we are in all the time now.

“Christmas is a busy time for footballers and it is not a time of the year for taking time off. Martyn Pert [head of conditioning] gauges the rest they need and the recovery they need but, in the main, they just work all the way through.”

Watford beat Queens Park Rangers live on Sky TV but that is their only victory in five, although they were unlucky not to come away from St James’ Park with at least a point in the 2-0 defeat to league-leaders Newcastle United.

Mackay said: “We have got to make sure we get back to winning ways. I would be concerned if we weren’t actually playing well in games and creating chances.

“We are doing that and looking still as if we are in games and will win more than we lose. I think for the players to be where they are at the moment with so much going on is great credit to the boys.

“But we need to get back to winning ways and making sure we do not get beat, especially away from home.

“We have got to make sure we turn the defeats away from home into something better than that.”

Craig Cathcart has returned to Manchester United to have knee surgery and it seems unlikely his loan will be extended as the Northern Ireland international is expected to be out for four to six weeks, which could take him past the transfer deadline.

Ross Jenkins is still out with a back injury, Nathan Ellington will not be available after completing his move to Greek side Skoda Xanthi FC but Don Cowie should return after a throat infection.