WATFORD will bid to put their first sticky patch of the season behind them and go into the international break boosted by a win, when Leeds United visit Vicarage Road tomorrow (Saturday, October 1).

Wednesday's defeat at Coventry means the Hornets have picked up just one point from the last available nine, and dropped to fifth in the Championship as a result, but Adrian Boothroyd is relishing the opportunity of facing his former club again.

"I am looking forward to it, seeing a few old faces and friends," said the Watford boss ahead of the game against the side directly below them in the table. "It is another challenge for us before we get to the break and regroup, ready to charge again for the next multitude of fixtures."

Another figure who will be itching to face Kevin Blackwell's men is Matthew Spring. The all-action Hornets midfielder endured a disappointing spell at Elland Road but, having been an unused substitute against the Sky Blues, should be fresh to return to the heart of midfield if selected.

"Obviously I've gone up there Leeds thinking I was going to play, but the manager's had different ideas and he didn't think I was good enough to play in that team, and I believe I was good enough to play in that team, so I've got to go out now and show that he was wrong to let me go and that's what I'm hoping to do," said the 25-year-old, while talking about the start to his Watford career this week.

Asked if he felt he had a point to prove, Spring replied: "Yes and no. I believe I was good enough to play in that team. He obviously didn't, so it's a matter of opinion really and I'll just go out there and play normally and I have no doubt that we'll beat them on Saturday."

For the full story, and the rest of the interview with Spring and team-mate Jordan Stewart, don't miss this week's issue of the Watford Observer.