THE first international break of the season is coming to an end and Adrian Mariappa and his colleagues are itching to get back into the thick of Championship football.
The defender has been ever present this campaign so far after racking up 49 appearances in total last term.
Mariappa has been able to reflect on the start to the season so far and the break provided a chance for the squad to re-group.
He said: "We use the international breaks to our advantage to have a little rest and recuperation, it also gives us a chance to re-group and prepare for the next few games coming up.
"The break was well deserved and a few of the lads went away with their international countries as well and that is a positive thing for the Club."
Leeds United came away from Vicarage Road with all three points last time out in the league and although it wasn't the right result, the Golden Boys are keen to put the game and the result behind them.
"When you lose you want the next game quickly, it hasn't happened as quick as we'd like but we're still looking to go into the next game to get a win and bounce back.
"We'll be rested and everyone will be raring to go."
The break has allowed those Hornets not away on international duty to put some work in on the training pitch.
"The training we do is very thorough and detailed anyway" commented the Academy graduate.
"But, without a weekend game you can have a few tougher sessions - we just carry on with our theme of being prepared for every game."
This weekend the Golden Boys face Doncaster at WD18 in the first of five fixtures this month.
The 23-year-old added: "Doncaster are a good team who play good football, but we're at home and we'll be looking to impose our game on them.
"We're a very high tempo team, when we play well that's how we play. We'll definitely be looking to keep the tempo high and play at our pace, we don't want them to get in their rhythm."
The last few weeks have also given new boys Josh Walker and Andrew Taylor an opportunity to settle and get to know their new team mates.
"All of the lads who have come in have settled in well" said Mariappa, "they know a few of the boys anyway, so they have gelled really well."
Don't forget Saturday is Family Day at Vicarage Road! Adult tickets costs just £10 in advance and kids £1! Click here for more information and here to buy online.
IF YOU'RE UNDER 16 YOU CAN JOIN TEAM HORNETS TODAY!
