Head Coach Chris Wilder believes the Hornets need to continue their positive work from Saturday’s Bristol City victory, as Watford prepare to face Cardiff City on Wednesday (April 19, 7.45pm KO).

The win against the Robins last time out has given Wilder’s side a boost as they head into the final four matches of the season, however the 55-year-old is adamant that the task hasn’t changed and he has a straightforward message for his squad.

“Nothing changes, we have to go and win the next game – that’s the message to the players,” Wilder began.

“Of course, when you get a good solid home win, in the manner and the fashion that we did on Saturday afternoon, it makes you feel a lot better about yourself. Whether you’re a manager or a player, and most importantly from a supporter’s point of view.

“We know that we need to go again, use what we did well on Saturday and look at the stuff in the game that we need to do better, and other bits and pieces which we will always recognise upon reflection of the game.”

One of the positives from the previous fixture was the performance of 18-year-old Ryan Andrews, with Wilder full of praise for the full-back.

“He was the highlight of the day for me, if I’m being honest,” Wilder continued. “I thought that the attitude of the supporters towards him was brilliant and he gave a really positive performance. He was assured, he was confident and he defended very well.

“Of course, upon reflection, there is some stuff we can work on with Ryan, but he can be really pleased with his contribution. Now, as it always is with young players, he needs to go again and find that consistency.

“If he is going to be a player, he has to rattle out some performances now because there are some decent players alongside him who are fighting to get back into the team. He has do what he has to do to keep that shirt and if he plays like he did over the last two games, then he will be difficult to move.”

Ahead of the match against the Bluebirds, the Hornets’ boss gave an update on his squad’s fitness.

Wilder said: “We have a couple of players coming back. A couple of the boys played in the Under-21s last night [during a 3-1 victory over Birmingham City]. Francisco Sierralta played 60 minutes in the Under-21s and James Morris got a little bit of bang so we will assess him.

“Apart from that, Leandro [Bacuna] came off at half-time [against Bristol City], but we are hopeful he will be available. From a health point of view, we are in a decent shape.”

Focusing on tomorrow evening’s opponents, Wilder is expecting a tough battle against a side battling for their lives near the bottom of the Championship table.

“Sabri Lamouchi is an experienced manager and he knows the division well,” he said. “It will be the same again because I can imagine, on the whole, it’s been a disappointing season.

“They are fighting for their lives. I know they have a group of players who have all played in the Championship and they will be desperate to stay in the Championship as individuals. They are a club that three or four years ago were in the Premier League and now they are fighting for survival.

“Everything that will bring to the game we have to be aware of and respectful of. We need to make sure we impose ourselves and make sure that we deal with their threats, and the positive stuff that they have in their team.”