AIDY Boothroyd has spoken about his injured players as he assesses the state of his squad with just three league games remaining.

On the whole, the Hornets look strong for the run-in and the manager feels that everyone can play their part in the promotion mix.

Two players unlikely to feature are Damien Francis and Gareth Williams - who both suffered cruciate ligament injuries over the last year.

Francis returned in November against Barnsley and made his last appearance in January during the home draw verses Charlton Athletic. His knee suffered a reaction and he has been working with the Vicarage Road medical staff every since.

Meanwhile Scotsman Williams came off the bench for the reserves against QPR at the end of last month and got another 70 minutes under his belt on Monday evening against Leyton Orient.

Williams will be nurtured back to full fitness slowly as the Golden Boys don't want to see the playmaker suffer any setbacks like his midfield colleague.

Boothroyd added: "As much as we would have loved to have Gareth from the start, he's been unfortunate with injuries. We want to make sure both those players are 100% right for next year."

Loanee Collins John has made three starts and two substitute appearances since his move across London from Craven Cottage.

However despite his obvious talent, the Dutchman appears to be a victim of circumstances surrounding the promotion run-in.

He needs games for match sharpness but the boss wants players who will fire straight out of the traps.

The manager explained the John situation, adding: "Collins does have a future and has been unfortunate I feel. He's come here on loan so that we can have a good look at him and get to know him.

"We've managed to eradicate all his biomechanical problems and got him to a position where he can be fit. He's not going to get fit until he plays the games and unfortunately for him I need to pick players that can do the job for 90 minutes and can come out of traps fast.

"I'm going for players that can and will do it now. That doesn't necessarily mean Collins hasn't got a part to play, he's a terrific player and he's got a great goal scoring record and I'm sure at some point in the next three games he'll have a part to play."

Finally the return of the experienced John Eustace against West Brom was a welcome boost for the manager, supporters and team mates alike.

The midfielder is a leader on the pitch for the 'Orns and his drive was very much missed during his time on the sidelines.

Boothroyd was one person happy to see him back in the mix at The Hawthorns: "I think he's very important, he keeps things ticking over and organises others. Also he gets on to people if they don't do what is expected of them.

"To miss four games has been huge because John-Joe O'Toole is still a boy and he's getting better as he goes along.

"Lee Williamson on the other side of things has not got that experience at Championship level although he's a very good footballer.

"When you're in the business of wining, sometimes playing can take over and John is definitely a guy that has experienced winning and knows what it takes as he is a little bit older than the other two."

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