Malky Mackay said the visit to Swansea “cannot come quick enough” as he makes his management debut on Sunday.

The 36-year-old became Watford’s caretaker manager on Monday night following Aidy Boothroyd’s departure.

The Scotsman’s first two games will both be against Swansea, with the Hornets facing the Welsh side in the league on Sunday and the Carling Cup two days later.

He said: “I am delighted. It cannot come quick enough. There has been a lot of press attention around the club but the main thing is football games and it will be good to get back into it.”

Mackay took his first full training session yesterday and said he was glad to get back on the training field following his chaotic start to management.

The former Watford defender and Reserve-team boss said he was grateful his first game is on a Sunday as he has an extra day to work with his side. Despite playing the same opposition in his first two games, Mackay said he is solely concentrating of his first game.

He said: “We have got to prepare for Sunday on its own but we will be taking ample cover to Swansea for the second game.

“We will look at the first game for now because otherwise you take your eye of the ball.”

Swansea are tenth in the Championship and have lost just once in their last seven games.

The Swans are managed by Spaniard Roberto Martinez, who took over in February last year and led his side to the League One title.

Mackay said: “I expect, what the reports have said all season, that it is a ground with a lot of noise. The fans make a lot of noise and they are passionate people.

“Roberto has a team that have been playing together for 18 months and they have brought in a few players from other countries and they will be difficult to beat.”

Watford’s manager has a relatively injury-free squad to choice from, except for long-term absentees Mart Poom, Scott Loach and Gareth Williams, although the midfielder is back training again. Jon Harley will also be suspended.

Tamas Priskin returns following his three-match ban after being sent off against Cardiff.

Mackay said: “He will be with us. He has been training with us and doing extra training in the last week or so as he has not had any games, but he is looking sharp.”