A referee who brandished almost 200 yellow cards last season is set to take charge of Watford’s return to Championship action after the international break on Saturday.

Keith Stroud has been appointed to officiate the game against fourth-placed Birmingham City at Vicarage Road.

The Hampshire official dished out 192 yellow cards and five reds during a total of 38 league and cup games last season, 24 of those bookings coming in four fixtures involving the Hornets.

Stroud issued seven cautions in the 3-2 defeat at home to Queens Park Rangers in August, four in the 2-1 victory at Cardiff City in November, five in the 1-0 loss at Sheffield United in February, but his highest tally was eight bookings in the 2-2 draw at Coventry City in April.

The referee has taken charge of four matches so far this season, showing a total of 19 yellow cards.

Matthew Smith and Richard Wild are due to be the assistant linesman on Saturday, with Sam Purkiss the fourth official.