Tommy Smith is refusing to let the speculation surrounding his future affect his performances.

The winger was Watford's stand-out performer on the opening day of the season against Crystal Palace and capped another sprightly display with the winner against Charlton yesterday.

Aidy Boothroyd said a fortnight ago that he could not guarantee that Smith or Jobi McAnuff would not be sold and joked last week that he would "hide" any faxed offers the club received for his key players.

Smith is aware of the club's "financial problems" and said: "We lost some good players in the summer and, with the club appearing to be selling a the moment, there is always going to be speculation surrounding other players.

"That is just something that comes with football and I'll just try and get on with it. Hopefully we can keep our squad together and build for promotion.

"Last season we were built of as one of the favourites as we spent a bit of money in the summer," he added.

"This summer appears to be appears to be the reverse. There are a few financial problems and we've had to sell a couple of players. Everyone expected us to have a poor start but we've still got some good playerrs, although we are probably still a bit light on players. The expectation is different but if we keep playing playing the way we are then we will create a reputation."