Billy McKinlay believes the Watford squad is experienced enough to deal with the sudden departure of Oscar Garcia and says his players will be fully focused on tonight’s game with Brentford.

It was announced yesterday that Oscar had stepped down from his role as the Hornets’ head coach as he needed more time to recover from the chest pains he suffered on September 14.

That meant McKinlay, who only joined Watford as first-team coach on Friday, was named the Golden Boys’ new boss.

His first game in charge comes against the Bees at Vicarage Road. He admits the Spaniard’s shock exit could be a distraction for the players but said they must get back to business tonight.

He said: “We’ve got an experienced bunch of players. They’ve been around the block a few times and have been involved in various situations.

"Once the game starts the focus is on playing well and getting a good result."

He added: “Any change of a manager or head coach could possibly be a distraction. But we have to get back on with business as soon as possible. We have to be 100 per cent ready for the game.

"I am sure the players will be disappointed, they were looking forward to working with Oscar like I was.

"On the same hand though, they’ve got to get over it and focus on the game tomorrow."

When he spoke to the media yesterday, McKinlay said he hadn’t yet had the opportunity to properly address the players following Oscar’s departure.

He explained: "Oscar spoke to them and I thanked him in front of the players. I am grateful for the opportunity and am really looking forward to working with them.

"The last thing I said to them was as difficult as it has been, it is important they get their minds on the game. We’re here to win matches and that was the main message."

McKinlay added he was immensely looking forward to taking charge of the Golden Boys against the Bees and said while he had mixed emotions after replacing Oscar, he intended to grab the opportunity with both hands.

The Championship season is only nine games old but McKinlay is Watford’s third head coach of the campaign.

He inherits a side that is fourth in the table and have lost just once in their last seven league matches.

The Scotsman believes a period of stability will be important for the Hornets and said: "I would imagine everyone wanted that and that’s why Oscar came in. Obviously the situation is what it is.

"Stability you’d hope would give you a better opportunity to do well.

“We have a couple of games coming up but hopefully then we can get things on a consistent vein over the coming weeks and months."

McKinlay will be without Troy Deeney, Keith Andrews, Gabriele Angella and Gabriel Tamas to tonight’s game. Click here for full injury news.