Beppe Sannino hopes “the Matej Vydra of two years ago can come back” after the striker produced another ineffective display during Watford’s 2-1 defeat against Doncaster Rovers.

The 22-year-old scored on his competitive return to Watford on the opening day of the season but has rarely looked like finding the net in the four games since.

Vydra hasn’t been able to recapture the same form which made him a Hornets fans’ favourite during his first loan spell at the club.

The Czech Republic international netted 22 goals in 47 games during the 2012/13 campaign and was named the Championship Player of the Season.

And it’s that form that Sannino hopes Vydra is able to rediscover.

“I hope the Vydra of two years ago can come back because we need a good Vydra,” the Hornets head coach said after Tuesday night’s cup tie.

“For me, tonight Vydra played like every other player. We don’t forget that tonight we played against one team (Doncaster) that deserved the win.”

Vydra’s impressive first spell with Watford resulted in him earning a loan move to Premier League side West Bromwich Albion last season.

He was unable to hold down a first-team spot at the Hawthorns and scored just three times in 25 appearances for the Baggies.

Hornets stalwart Lloyd Doyley believes that lack of goals may be affecting the striker’s confidence.

He explained: “It will take time. Last year was a bit of a disappointment for him and he didn’t get to play as many games as he wanted to at the top level.

“When I did watch him I thought he did ok but goals are what counts for strikers and once he gets his confidence, he will be flying.”

Watford had just one shot on target against Rovers on Tuesday night and Vydra didn’t have a clear sight of goal throughout the contest.

Doyley admitted the other players must chip in with goals and create more chances not just for Vydra, but all of the Hornets strikers.

“We can’t just leave it to the top two or three to score the goals. We all need to chip in, and that includes me,” Doyley said with a smile. “We all need to spread the goals out more.

“We are in a good position in the league at the moment and there is no reason why we can’t maintain it.”