Leeds boss Brian McDermott has spoken warmly of Gianfranco Zola ahead of tomorrow’s huge game at Vicarage Road.

The Elland Road outfit travel south knowing they could do deny Watford automatic promotion, if Hull City don’t achieve a better result than the third-placed Hornets when they take on champions Cardiff City.

However, the odds are firmly in Watford’s favour as it is 13 league games since Leeds last won on their travels when they beat Huddersfield Town on December 1.

“I’m really glad for us more than anything because there’s something on the game and to be live on TV is great,” the Leeds boss told his club’s official website.

“I know Gianfranco really well. We worked together for a year on the pro licence and he is a great bloke.

“What you find with people like Gianfranco is that they are not just great coaches they are also top people. He is a humble man and what he has achieved in the game as a player is phenomenal. He is one of the greatest players to have come in this country.”

McDermott, who will be joined in the dug-out by his assistant and Hornets legend Nigel Gibbs, is hoping his side can use Watford as inspiration for next season.

“I’ve told the guys to go out and play, enjoy the fact that we are involved in a really important game,” the former Reading boss said.

“Look at what’s happening with Watford, where they are in the league and get your energy from that.

“That’s the end of the league that we want to be at. If Watford do go up on Saturday, we need to take that energy and use it for us in the coming season.

“Hull have got everything in their hands, Steve Bruce knows that if he gets a result that his team will be up, so it’s out of Watford’s hands.

“For us it’s important that we perform and play and do the best for our travelling support.”