THE Golden Boys travel to Derbyshire this weekend to take on the Rams, who sit one place below Watford in the Championship.

Nigel Clough's team have lost their last two games, since blasting five past Preston North End in their 5-2 win at Pride Park in mid-February and Watford manager Malky Mackay is realistic about the encounter on Saturday.

"We got beaten down here against Derby and we've got to make amends for that, so we go into that knowing it will be a tough game.

"We will have to apply ourselves in the way that we've been applying ourselves in the last few weeks.

"I'm in no two minds about what kind of a test it's going to be for us."

However, having had promising performances in recent weeks, the Hornets boss told www.watfordfc.com he is confident of his squad's ability to apply themselves in Derbyshire.

He continued: "I'm delighted at the way we've been playing over the last few weeks and I look at the way they are playing and the way they are playing for each other out there on the pitch.

"If I get that again on Saturday, I'll be happy.

"You look at the Scunthorpe game and the levels of performance in the first half and the fact we came away with a draw after all that happened in the game; Any neutral would have looked at that and said we should have got the three points.

"But, we didn't and that's life, so we have to move on from it and take away from it the knowledge we have the ability and level of performance. That gives me hope."

All the players have come through international duty this week unscathed, to the relief of the Manager.

Malky said: "Jay came off in the USA's game with the Netherlands on Wednesday as a precautionary measure after a knock to his leg, but he's back with us today and looking like he'll be fine for the weekend.

"Everyone else who played have all reported back fine.

"The good side of all this is that we get a number of players of different levels going away on international duty, which is a credit to the Club and a credit to them.

"It's a good experience for them, but at the end of the day, I want them back fit for a Saturday and when you can send them away and get them all back in one piece, you do breathe a sign of relief!"

Tom Cleverley is suspended once again for the Golden Boys.

BUY TICKETS ONLINE - CLICK BELOW