RICHARD JOHNSON, who capped a full 90-minute outing in the reserves with a stunning 35-yard goal, could be joining the squad for Bristol tomorrow.

Taylor will be checking to make certain the Australian, who has been training like a demon since receiving the all-clear on his thigh injury late last week, has not suffered a reaction.

Taylor points out that Bristol City will be waiting for the Hornets, eager to avenge missing out on the Division 2 championship.

"If we were Bristol, we would feel that we lost that title, not that Watford had won it. They only needed to win on the last day but they lost it," said the Watford boss.

"No doubt they will want to put that right. There are harder games in this division. You don't get a respite in this division, it is hard week after week.

"We have Bristol City, followed by Sunderland and then the visit of Wolves: three big games in eight days. We moved the Sunderland game back because it was scheduled in international week. There is always the possibility the Norwich game will be off because of international calls, so we did not want to risk falling two behind at this stage of the season.

"Sunderland and Wolves are two clubs people are putting their money on and obviously we have connections with them. Kevin Phillips and of course Wolves was my last club.

"I am looking forward to seeing the Stadium of Light, but everyone is saying that. I don't want my players looking at the lights when Sunderland are playing."

Taylor experiemented with Palmer as right back. "I just had this feeling that with Beagrie good in the air and the way Cambridge play Benjamin, that Steve would be useful there.

"We will have to settle the team down. I feel the defence is settled and we see the likes of Robinson come in. He is for the cause. I say that because I just don't think the cheque book is the way. You buy them nowadays and you will have them for 18 months and if they don't like something, they will be on their way.

"It is important that our youth policy is an integral part of the development of the club. We must do our very best to develop our own. It is going to be difficult but I know you can only spend money once."

Taylor will take the same squad, plus possibly Richard Johnson and, if he is free of an ear infection, Gifton Noel-Williams as well.

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