Jose Holebas says Watford’s two-week break from playing has been hugely positive for the Hornets squad.

Watford’s elimination from the FA Cup at the fourth round stage gave them a weekend free of the pressures of competitive football.

The break has presented Watford with the chance to nurse injured players back to fitness and, Holebas says, allowed players to clear their heads ahead of the all-important Premier League run in.

“I have to say it has been great, It is good for everyone here in the team to get their head free because it was a tough December and January,” he said.

“With the matches we had and it was very tight in the games, it was good to get away from that for two weeks.”

As well as giving players some much needed rest the past fortnight has provided ample opportunity for Javi Gracia, still fairly green in his role as Watford boss, the chance to further ingrain his style of play at WD18.

Holebas says the Spaniard has made full use of the extra time on the training ground and says everyone at Watford has reaped the benefits.

He said: “I think it was good for everyone, for the whole club especially with a new manager to get his way across to the team.”