Elliott Matthews says there are good times ahead for Watford sports fans.

The unbeaten middleweight predicts the Hornets will lift the FA Cup - and says he should be fighting for major titles in the coming months.

Matthews is back in the ring at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on Saturday against Spanish-born Christian Hoskin Gomez and said: "I need a good win to keep me in the mix for the British title or maybe get in the Commonwealth or European rankings.

"Whichever route I take, it would be nice to have something shiny to show for all the hard graft I put in.

"I just have to take my chance when it comes along."

Matthews was going to challenge Nick Blackwell for the British title last November, but has to pull out after being cut in sparring.

Matthews wishes Blackwell well after he was hospitalised following his loss to Chris Eubank Junior last month.

He added: "There's a chance Eubank will vacate and I have to keep winning because a chance might come along.

"The most important thing for me is that I keep boxing regularly and build momentum. If you don't box for ages, you can lose focus.

"Last time I boxed, I felt a bit flat.

"I should have got him out of there. he was running away and I should have closed him down quicker.

"This time I will be sharper and quicker."

Eight days after Matthews' next fight, the Hornets meet Crystal Palace in the semi-finals of the FA Cup - and he plans to be there.

Matthews was at the Emirates Stadium cheering on the Hornets when they beat Arsenal in the last eight.

"It was a great day out at Arsenal," said Matthews, "and I'm hoping for another.

"It was great to see Watford playing well and all the supporters happy.

"It's not always like that when you support Watford.

"I think we've got a great chance of winning the FA Cup now."

Tickets for the show at the York Hall are available from 07886 683614.