Chris Wilder is expecting a big response from his Watford players away at Hull City this weekend (Saturday April 22, 3pm KO), following Wednesday night’s disappointing home defeat at the hands of Cardiff City.

Three goals in 11 first-half minutes were enough to undo a positive start to the midweek clash against the Bluebirds, serving a huge blow to the Hornets’ slim play-off hopes, and prompting an honest assessment of the display from the Head Coach.

But with three games of the campaign remaining Wilder believes the quick turnaround provides the players with a good chance to do their talking on the pitch, and he is clear that he expects much better from his whole squad.

“We all know that Wednesday night was hugely disappointing, and the lucky ones will have the opportunity to put that right on Saturday,” the 55-year-old said. “When you get beaten like that, I always think the best answer is to be found on the pitch.

“In the face of criticism, we have to respond. I know what my reaction would have been as a player, and how a good footballing pro would react, and it’s up to our players to show the appropriate quality and characteristics. They need to chuck a few punches back to that last performance and criticism, and show the right attitude.

“Setbacks happen - in all walks of life - and you’ve got to keep going; you can’t just put the white flag up. I’ve experienced plenty throughout my career, but you can’t just pack in. I think that’s why people have longevity and success in the game, and we have to take Wednesday night on the chin and come back in the right way now.

“The fans travelling up to Hull will be expecting the group to perform, and from my point of view I’m looking for improvement in all four corners of the game - technically, tactically, physically and mentally. The players have got to do their jobs in their positions, and play together as a team.

“There’s still loads to play for - there are nine big points at stake, and we have an obligation to fight to the best of our ability for the fans spending their hard-earned money coming to support us. We’ll fight right to the end, and that continues at Hull.”

Wilder explained that he doesn’t expect many changes to list of players available for the trip up to East Yorkshire, though he did hint that one or two individuals could be back involved.

He said: “There were a couple of bumps and bruises after Wednesday, but hopefully those players will be alright in terms of selection for the weekend. James Morris took a whack playing for the Under-21s during the week - so we’ll look at his situation - but we should have the same group that’s been available for most of my time here.

“Craig Cathcart had a bang in training, so he’s been out of action for the last couple of games. He’s in line to train today [Friday April 21], and hopefully he’ll travel with the group to Hull.

“There’s been a lot of talk about Academy players, particularly with Ryan Andrews having come into the team. There’s a pool of players we’ve been looking at, and I would like to have Jack Grieves and Tobi Adeyemo involved, but unfortunately they’re injured at the moment. Adrian Blake is going to be involved with us, which is good.”

While eager to see his side bounce back to success at the MKM Stadium Wilder is aware of the threats posed by Hull City, who held the Golden Boys to a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Vicarage Road in the reverse fixture in December.

The Tigers currently sit 16th in the second-tier standings - six points behind Watford - but had been on a five-game unbeaten run under Head Coach Liam Rosenior before defeat at high-flying Middlesbrough last time out.

Wilder added: “It’s the same as every game in this division - we know it’s going to be a tough game, and we know we’re going to have to tick a lot of boxes to get a result.

“I’ve known Liam for a while - I had contact with him while he was working in the media, and during his time in the game - and he’s a bright young coach. He took the big step to Hull after his work with Wayne Rooney at Derby, and he’s got his team playing in a certain way. It’s a difficult place to go, but we’ll do our best to come away with the full share of the spoils.”