TUESDAY'S important win at The Den needs to be followed up at home; that's the message from Watford boss Sean Dyche.

The defeat to Reading nearly three weeks back ended an impressive Hornets' run on their own patch. But morale-boosting performances against both Spurs and Millwall set up the squad for the next challenge.

"I know Keith Hill (Barnsley manager) very well actually, and he'll be aware of the challenges we'll want to put to his side," Dyche told watfordfc.com ahead of tomorrow, the first of five first npower Championship matches in February.

"I think Barnsley's results are a reflection of this division in general; that any team can beat another on any given day.

"That's what's great in a way, really. You know that if you're right at the top of your game you're likely to get something, but if you're off it just that little bit then you can get found out.

"But we're very much ready to go again," he stressed.

Sean Dyche reflected on "moments of quality at Millwall" and will be hoping to see a repeat during tomorrow's Barnsley clash

"I feel the performance at Millwall, especially given the difficult circumstances of the day, will help remind the players just what quality we have in this squad.

"I always sense the confidence and belief within the group, but it doesn't hurt to create your own evidence of how to win tough League fixtures like Tuesday night."

The manager always talks of Watford's intent to be fit, organised, prepared, fresh and ready to add quality.

"I think we were all those things on Tuesday - and we found a couple of moments of quality to unlock the game in our favour.

"We don't change our methods too much. Every game, every week, it's about striving for that consistency of performance which, as a coaching staff, we believe leads to results in the short and longer-term."

The Hornets have different types of options in the wider areas, certainly over the last fortnight, with Alex Kacaniklic and Sean Murray adding to Mark Yeates and Craig Forsyth in terms of the different styles Dyche has at his disposal.

"We're always monitoring everyone; but that's especially true for the younger players.

"Sean's done nicely, but we're aware of the demands that are placed on an 18-year-old. Similarly with Alex, coming in for his first senior start on Tuesday. All those factors are in the melting pot ahead of the weekend."

Matt Whichelow, meanwhile, will be featuring elsewhere for a month.

"He's a lot nearer where we and he feel(s) he should be," explained Dyche.

Dyche on Whichelow: "...a lot nearer where both we and he feels he needs to be..."

"It's been a tough three or four months for him but I hold him in high regard and he's been working ever so hard in training.

"We're hoping that a month or so's first-team action with Wycombe will be just what he needs to come back to us ready to challenge again."

With midfield lynchpin Jonathan Hogg back to fitness in the week, the manager only has Martin Taylor (broken toe) and Stephen McGinn (knee, but back training) currently on the sidelines.

Apart from the injured, the following are out on loan and therefore also unavailable to the Hornets:
Josh Walker (Scunthorpe United)
David Mirfin (Scunthorpe United)
Piero Mingoia (Brentford)
Matt Whichelow (Wycombe Wanderers)
Britt Assombalonga (Wealdstone)
Gavin Massey (Colchester United)
Chez Isaac (Tamworth)
Connor Smith (Wealdstone)
Tommie Hoban (Wealdstone)