WATFORD boss Malky Mackay is eager for his side to build on their morale boosting midweek win over Ipswich Town as he sets his men up for two away trips over the next week.

The Hornets visit the Welsh capital tomorrow (Sunday) where they will take to the field for the first ever time at the Cardiff City Stadium following their short move from Ninian Park, then on Wednesday they face The Owls at Hillsborough.

Those Golden Boys involved in the game last season at the old stadium will have bad memories of a controversial stoppage-time penalty from City striker Ross McCormack, which resulted in a 2-1 win for the home side.

All focus for the Hornets though is building on from the last game where Malky's men beat Ipswich 2-1 at Vicarage Road.

Malky said: "I think the boys deserved that win because they had so most pressure and possession in the Swansea and Peterborough games, so it was thoroughly deserved.

"We created chances and we took them. It gave the crowd a home win but we have to take that into the away days coming up.

"We have to capitalise on our victory."

The Bluebirds sit just inside the play-offs in sixth place, two points clear of Sheffield United a place below them.

During the week Dave Jones' side beat Coventry and they now return to their new home following three away games.

The Welsh outfit hasn't put back-to-back wins together since the end of January, but they still amongst the clubs in the hunt for promotion via the play-offs.

"I think our players have confidence that they can go and play well and score goals again" added Malky.

"Ipswich have been on a good run, play decent football and can hurt teams

"I was delighted with the application and the quality of football we showed at times on our pitch.

"We did have that cutting edge and managed to score a couple of goals."

Looking at the Cardiff City clash, the gaffer said: "I'm sure the surface, despite the weather, will be better than most."

Ninian Park had a reputation for a hostile atmosphere with the supporters making life difficult for the opponents. 

The Watford camp is aware of the influence they can have, Malky said: "I don't know how close the fans are to the pitch at the new stadium, but with the old stadium they were quite close to the touchline and it was a noisy stadium.

"But, it's two goals and a green pitch so we have to make sure we go there and play the team, not the crowd.

"Cardiff have got a lot of quality and experienced players, Dave's built a strong squad and they've been there or thereabouts over the last couple of years so I'll be expecting a tough game."

The 'Orns are in good shape on the injury front and despite a few bumps and bruises there shouldn't be anyone missing out.

Will Hoskins suffered cramp after scoring his winning goal against the Tractor Boys but he's in good shape to face Jones' side.

Will Buckley was added to the substitutes' bench during the week and despite not making his first-team debut he got 90 minutes for the second string the following day and managed to score as well.

Talking about his signing from Rochdale, Malky said: "He's now in the fold. He will be someone we nurture gently along.

"Will is a young lad who has adapted well, he has to get used to our fitness levels and the way we train.

"He has done well so far, I do stress he is young and Will is someone I'm careful to make sure we bring him along gently and he will be more involved after the summer."

Buckley had an eye for goal in the lower leagues and his pace is a threat going forward.

When quizzed if the youngster can bring something different to the table, Malky replied: "It is two steps up for him, he's young and he has a lot of potential.

"I'm always impressing upon our forward thinking players to make sure they have the confidence to strike and hit the net and Will is no different.

"Maybe we've been guilty of trying to score the perfect goal in the past, but hopefully you saw from Will Hoskins on Tuesday night that from 20 yards out he strikes it cleanly and it was a great goal." 

WIN PRIZES WITH THE HORNETS LOTTO!