WILL Hoskins opened his league account for Watford at Turf Moor last night (Tuesday), but he wasn't a winner as the Hornets' defensive frailties were exposed by Burnley who went on to win 3-2.

Having only previously scored for the Golden Boys in the League Cup it was no little relief to see the striker bag a brace - and take his tally for the season to three goals.

Speaking after the game the former Rotherham United forward felt, somewhat understandably, to be in a bitter-sweet mood.

"It is disappointing, not least because it's happened already this season at Forest when Tommy Smith scored two goals and we came away with nothing.

"It's happened again tonight and we need to take a look at ourselves and refocus and get back on it. I think we need to start believing in ourselves again, because I don't think we believe we can win again.

"We need to knuckle down, get our heads together and start winning again because we've got a team that is way more than capable."

Personally, Hoskins is capitalising on an injury-spree that whilst costing the team, is doing his personal development no harm at all.

"It's been a mad four games for us - playing Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday - but because I've not played that many games it's been as much about fitness for me.

"I've been trying to put a shift in for the team because it has been hard for us, as I'm being relied on as the only one [striker]. I've been asked to step up and do a job and I think I've held my own for the team.

"I like to think I am a clever player, so when asked to play up front on my own I have to think a different way and play a different way and play mind games with the two central defenders.

"It's up to me to confuse them so that one thinks they've got me when the other one hasn't. I think I am clever enough to play in any position. It's football at the end of the day and you've just got to think."

Hoskins certainly had the better of his old training partner Clarke Carlisle, who struggled to deal with his movement wide and in-behind.

"Obviously I knew Clarke and I knew I was in for a hard battle. I managed to roll him for the first one and the second one I just peeled off and got to the back post.

"I got off my man for the headed chance in the second half but I just didn't get enough on it really. It's disappointing, but I'll be working on those chances so the next time it comes around I'll get it in the back of the net."