Watford Head Coach Slaven Bilić is looking forward to a testing Emirates FA Cup third-round fixture against Reading this Saturday (January 7, 12.30pm KO).

Following an impressive 1-0 victory over Norwich City earlier this week, the Hornets will be looking to replicate that success as they travel to the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Speaking to the media ahead of the encounter, Bilić asserted his belief the Norwich City win will give his side the motivation needed to take the match to the Royals despite a mounting absentee list.

“There has been a good mood and it’s good after every successful result, especially after Monday’s victory against Norwich City,” Bilić began.

“Considering the situation we are in it was quite an extraordinary win. Of course, that has an effect on the training ground, but we have a game tomorrow. It’s been a positive injection.

“We have a situation [with injuries] and we don’t have a first-team and second-team, it’s just one group. It’s a very tiny group and it’s not a very good situation regarding that.

“Reading are a good side, a tough and solid side. They have threat up front and if you give them space, they will play. They are a very decent side and they are in good form. They have the fighting spirit like their manager [Paul Ince] had – he was that kind of player. I’m looking forward to the game.

“We are asking for something from this game. It’s completely opposite to a friendly game and knowing the situation we're in, we are expecting some individual performances that will say, ‘I can play that position if you need me’.”

In preparation for the upcoming cup tie, Bilić has had to find the right balance between focusing on his squad’s fitness and giving new opportunities to deserving players, alongside remaining competitive in the world’s oldest national football competition.

He said: “Some of the guys will not be risked tomorrow because of the situation. I’m really trying to respect the FA Cup also. It’s a wonderful competition.

“It’s the easiest way to create a good impact because with a little bit of luck and a good team, you can go far.

“To be fair, Watford were in the final a few years ago. It is very tempting, but at this moment we have priorities, and we can’t do both unfortunately.”

As a result of the current fitness issues presented, Bilić has enjoyed a look at some of the academy players during training, with a decision to be made on who to involve before Saturday.

“Some of them have only trained with us once, while others like Adrian Blake have been training with us for a while,” he explained.

“We got James Morris through the academy. When I came here, he wasn’t training with us at all, but when we didn’t have an alternative for Hassane Kamara he came in. With the progress that he has made, I wasn’t afraid to give him a chance against Norwich City and he looked really good.

“There are a few others that are training with us, a few that we know better than the rest like Blake. On him, it’s a no-brainer that he has something and he is talented. The rest to be fair I have only seen once or twice, so it’s very early to make a judgement on them, but they look lively and good.”