Press news in...

Dean Smith's pre-Watford press conference is about to begin! Stay tuned for updates.
------------------------------------------------------------

DS: “Tim hurt his shoulder so he’s out. We’ll lose him but I’m not sure on the time with him.”

DS: "He's got to go and see a consultant, might have been yesterday so waiting for feedback from the medical team. Big loss, saw from the 2 games he missed v Arsenal & Palace. Opportunity for others. Gunny was disappointed with results in those two games and is working hard."

DS: "It can be a lonely place being in goal when you haven't got the protection you need. We were certainly lacking numbers against Arsenal & Palace when Angus came into the team. That Southampton game (9-0 v Leicester) is long gone. He'll be much better protected."

DS: “Billy, Normann, Rupp and Omobamidele should all be back for Wolves in the FA Cup.”

DS: "Kenny McLean is available again after his Covid isolation".

DS: "There's more of a spring in the step around the training ground this week, that's what a win can do for you."

DS: "I said before Everton that it wasn't quite a be-all-and-end-all game but getting that way so getting that victory really important and takes a little pressure off - but all know how important it is and what a win could do for both teams."

DS: "Incentive is more to beat a team just ahead of us, we know there's a small cluster of clubs all fighting to get out of the relegation places but important thing is after 38 games."

DS: “I said we had to share the goals with Teemu. Now, we’ve got the likes of Adam stepping up.”

DS: “We all know how important this game is against Watford. It can do a lot for the team that wins it.”

DS: "I Knew once we started getting players back our fortunes would change."

DS: (On playing 4-4-2) "It's just another string in our bow, last week we only had two central midfielders available so the decision was pretty much made for us. McLean back so gives the opportunity to change the system if we need to. Players are tactically aware."

DS: "I don't need to go and point out if Pukki hasn't scored for a few games, it's a team game and they have to ensure the strikers are getting chances, in the same way keepers need to be protected."

DS: "Aarons and Williams are both okay, Max has had a bit of stick from the players for being on crutches on Saturday and training on Tuesday."

DS: "Zimbo is going to play for the U23s v Burnley tomorrow, so on the comeback trail. He wanted to travel to Watford but I want him to get minutes."

DS: "I've had a chat with Hugill about not getting minutes he'd like at West Brom, so it's a situation we will look at."

DS: "Dennis and Sarr were the main protagonists (in Hornets' 3-1 win at Carrow Road in Sept), so fortunate that Sarr not available but Dennis certainly one we have to be aware of."

DS: "We learned a lot about ourselves with the energy and fitness levels we put into that Everton game."

--------------------------------------------------------------

And that's your lot from the #NCFC boss for this morning.

Posted By: DrDublin, Jan 20, 09:30:32