Brendan Rodgers says tonight’s Carling Cup quarter final with Tottenham is not a “hindrance” despite only three points separating Watford from the Championship’s relegation zone.

Rodgers formally took charge of the Hornets a week ago today and has been trying to balance settling in at his new club with improving his side’s poor league position and changing the way Watford play.

This evening’s clash may be classed as a distraction by many but the 35-year-old says he is “looking forward” to the challenge.

Rodgers said: “It is a wonderful opportunity to come into the club and to go straight into a quarter final.

"The club have a great history over the last eight years. I think they have had four semi final appearances, which is incredible for a club where it is at.

"I am really looking forward to it with all the players and the staff. It is a wonderful challenge.

“The league is very important and for every team it is the crux of your work, what you prepare for, but I certainly wouldn’t say a Carling Cup quarter final is a hindrance.

“It is something we are all looking forward to and if we can make it a fifth semi final then it would be a fantastic achievement for the club.”

The Northern Irishman has a near fully-fit squad to choose from, with the exception of long-term absentees Mart Poom and Gareth Williams.

Leigh Bromby and Jon Harley were both suffering from illness before Saturday’s game and Mariappa received a minor injury during the 1-1 draw with Doncaster.

All three are fit and are expected to feature tonight along with Chelsea loanee Liam Bridcutt, who is free to play.

Speaking on Monday, Rodgers said: “We have got a couple of little niggles from Saturday but we are in a period where I have just come into the club and there are a lot of games coming up.

"There is the game at the weekend, the game in the week and over the next couple of weeks, so a lot of it is playing and recovering, playing and recovering.

“But everything is fine, the guys have been good. They are looking forward to it.

“Adrian Mariappa had a slight knock at the weekend but he will be fine.

"Jon Harley was physically sick, he did well to get through the game on Saturday. He wasn’t feeling well and was being sick in the changing room before the game so it is great credit to him that he actually wanted to play and played.”

Frank Lampard Snr said he believed his brother-in-law and Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp would put out a strong side at Vicarage Road.

Ledley King is expected to be rested though and Alan Hutton (foot) and Giovani dos Santos (ankle) are both out.

Midfield duo Luka Modric (groin) and Jermaine Jenas (toe) are close to full fitness but may not be risked.