AIDY BOOTHROYD has insisted that striker Steve Kabba remains "part of my plans".

After a promising debut against West Ham, Kabba failed to make the impression Boothroyd expected following his £500,000 switch from Sheffield United in January.

The 26-year-old failed to find the net in 14 appearances for the Hornets and did not even make the squad for the final three games of the season, fuelling speculation that he had played his last game for the club.

However, Boothroyd appears to have offered the striker a second chance to prove himself, although the possible arrival of Heidar Helguson would surely push Kabba further down the pecking order.

"He is part of my plans," said the manager. "It takes players time to settle and a while to get used to each other.

"Steve has come back flying, he is in great shape, has looked after himself over the summer and is pushing for a starting spot."

The manager did admit this week that his 33-man squad is "too big" and there are reports that he is looking to trim that by as many as five.

"I don't want a huge squad of first-team players," said the manager. "I obviously want the core first-team squad and I want those fighting to get in, like we did in 2005/06."

Boothroyd will also learn the lessons from the promotion-winning season and the disappointing Premiership campaign in determining his side's pattern of play this season.

"I'm not throwing the baby out with the bath water," said the manager. "When we lost Marlon last year we went very, very direct for ten games and it didn't work well.

"We've got to be unpredictable and surprise teams. With the wide players we've got we can pass it and mix it up more.