Watford striker Collins John is pushing for his first start for the club when the Hornets travel to face Championship leaders Bristol City.John has struggled with a hamstring injury and a lack of match fitness since signing on loan from Fulham in January but made a bright substitute appearance against Norwich last week.

Record signing Nathan Ellington was booed off in the 1-1 draw against the Canaries so manager Adrian Boothroyd could hand John a start alongside Darius Henderson.

Former Wigan midfielder Damien Francis (knee) is still out while Gareth Williams is expected to miss the whole season after suffering a reoccurrence of a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Boothroyd's side were not in action at the weekend but after a run of four consecutive draws could move to within a point of City with a win at Ashton Gate on Tuesday.

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