Watford players have returned to training ahead of a pre-season schedule that will see them face tough European opposition.

The Hornets will play Dutch champions Ajax, as well as Bundesliga top four team Bayer Leverkusen in Austria later this month.

They will then return to the UK to face Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road, after which they will host a yet to be confirmed overseas team at Vicarage Road the week before their Premier League opener against Brighton and Hove Albion.

A video posted to the club's social media channels showed the Watford players reporting for their pre-season duty at their London Colney training ground, including returning loanees Ben Wilmot and Stefano Okaka.

Midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure and strikers Troy Deeney and Gerard Deulofeu were also pictured.

After signing a new one year deal, goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes told the club website he hoped he would be able to take things easier this season.

“I think I'll need a day off during the week as it’s not easy,” he said.

“Every year it gets even harder for me. I find it easy on the pitch but day in, day out it is hard.

“I need to be focused and I’m prepared. I feel I’m in the best shape of my career. I look after myself well and I want again to do my best for this club.”