WATFORD midfielder Don Cowie is more than happy to put the hard work in now on the training pitch as he and his team mates prepare for the start of the Championship season in August.

He believes that pre-season training is the foundation on which the Hornets will build on throughout the campaign.

The Golden Boys open the season against Norwich City at Carrow Road on Friday 6 August, but there's plenty to do before then.

He said: "It is hard work for six weeks or so, it's not nice but it has to be done as it can pay dividends throughout the season, whether it be a last minute goal or an end of season win, when other team are starting to struggle it is then that we can kick-on and do well."

The pre-season period is an opportunity for all players to show the coaches what they can do and press for a regular starting place.

The 27-year-old appeared during the second half of Watford's first pre-season test against Boreham Wood last weekend, as the Hornets started in promising fashion with a 5-0 victory.

"It's up to the players to look after themselves and make sure they come back flying" commented the midfielder.

"Every player wants to come in and make a good impression. Nobody wants to come in unfit as it reflects poorly on the player and it's about your own personal pride, if you do well you can catch the manger's eye and maybe make the first team."

Continuing on this point, Cowie has noticed the youthfulness of the squad and hopes this will provide the energy for a good start to the season.

He emphasised how pre-season training can provide a platform for up and coming players to excel.

"It's a case for people to stamp their authority, catch the manger's eye and make themselves known and try and get into the team.

"The likes of Michal Bryan came in last year and really shone in pre-season games.

"This is where the hard work goes on for the start of the season and for the whole season, it's a case of getting your head down and producing results."

By Dominic Hopkins