THIS year has been a somewhat frustrating period for Watford's footballers so far, but there is relief in sight as they look forward to a return to Championship action this weekend when they face Doncaster Rovers.

An FA Cup defeat to holders Chelsea at the start of 2010 has been made somewhat worse by the fact the Hornets haven't had the opportunity to get back out on the pitch and make amends in the league.

Last Saturday's encounter with Sheffield United was called off due to the snowy conditions in Hertfordshire, but one young Hornet in particular is itching to get back out on the pitch, as he told www.watfordfc.com.

"After the Chelsea game we were all up for getting out there and showing what we could do against Sheffield United" said Watford's very own Lee Hodson.

"We want to concentrate on the league but it's been hard to get any rhythm to our training over the last few weeks, it has been pretty annoying."

London Colney has been hit hard by the snow meaning that indoor work takes on a greater importance for the squad.

The gym is usually a busy and bustling place anyway, but the area overseen by Strength and Conditioning Coach Mathew Monte-Colombo has been packed to the rafters over the last 10 days.

Hodson added: "The work in the gym is very important, it's keeping us ticking over and is perhaps more important than usual.

"We've haven't been able to get outside much but by putting the work in at the gym we hope that'll help us for this weekend's game.

"When we have got the footballs out there's been a lot of possession work and small-sided games to keep us ticking over."

Looking back at the FA Cup clash at Stamford Bridge, although hugely disappointed by the result, the 18-year-old insists the steep learning curve he undertook in west London in early January is vital.

"It was a great experience playing against top players" added the Northern Ireland Under 21 defender who has started 23 games so far for the 'Orns this season.

"Every player would like to be at that level one day so I know how much I've got to improve and how much I've got to learn when I'm training.

"Training becomes even more important, the scoreline was disappointing but looking on the positive side of things it was a great experience for me.

"It was my first big game against that sort of opposition.

"We were all very disappointed by the result, myself especially as a defender conceding five goals.

"It still hurts, but I have to take the experience and turn it into something positive, I have to keep on impressing the gaffer to stay in the team.

"I went away and had a look at the DVD, for me personally that was a learning curve."

Three out of the next four scheduled fixtures are away from Vicarage Road for the Golden Boys - but for Hodson and the rest of the squad they all just want to return to playing.

"It has been frustrating without a game" noted Watford's right back.

"We were all looking forward to Sheffield United as it was a big game for us.

"We lost up there earlier this season and we just wanted them to come down to Watford, so we could show them what we can do and take our frustration out following the cup game.

"But, now everyone is raring to go for the Doncaster game and we can't wait."

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