Tommy Smith agrees that Town’s task this weekend at high-scoring Championship leaders Watford is a daunting one.

But Smith, whose 83rd minute goal (above) was the difference between the sides at Portman Road back in November, is also quick to point out: “We have already beaten them this season and there’s no reason why we can’t do it again.”

The Hornets have lost just once in 10 league games, banking 25 points from a possible 30 to claim pole position on goal difference from Middlesbrough, and with Bournemouth to come at Portman Road on Good Friday it could prove to be a crucial make or break spell for Mick McCarthy’s men.

Smith said: “Obviously we need to pick up points. They’re both tough games, they’re both above us, but there is no reason why we can't get three points.

"I think if you gave us a draw now from the Watford game we’d probably take it, but that doesn't mean we won’t be going there trying to get all three points.

“Watford are playing well and scoring goals and that’s why they are where they are. It will be a tough game but we’ll go there looking to win it and we know their style of play.

"They used to be known as our bogey team but when we won at our place it was nice to take away that stigma and hopefully we can do it again.”

While 23-goal Town striker Daryl Murphy continues to lead the way in the Championship scoring chart, Watford pair Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo are just behind with 19 and 17 respectively. But Smith added: “They've been a good partnership, but we’ve dealt with them okay before and there’s no reason why we can’t do so again.”

Meanwhile, Smith confirmed that his fellow New Zealand international, Chris Wood, who is without a goal in four appearances since arriving on loan from Leicester, is keen to make a major contribution to Town’s ongoing promotion challenge.

Smith said: “Chris is a big powerful boy but he’s not all about that. He’s got quality on the ball as well and as he’s proved previously in the Championship he can score goals. Hopefully there’s couple of important ones to come from him.

“He is desperate to get involved but he knows he’s got tough competition with Murph and Freddie playing well together and scoring goals. He’s got to bide his time but he’s waiting in the wings and he’s ready to go.”

Photo: Action Images

BackTheBlues added 10:04 - Mar 20 2 wins against Watford in recent time, doesn't change the tide of bogey land, but they will expect to stick 3 or 4 past us like everyone else they have done.... Clean sheet would be massive!
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