Watford captain Jay DeMerit is pushing for a return to the side as the Hornets look to return to the top of the table with a win at Burnley.DeMerit returned from a groin injury as a late substitute in last weekend's goalless draw with Preston but has trained all week during the squad's trip to Dubai and is now fully fit.

Transfer deadline-day signing Leigh Bromby has excelled in DeMerit's absence alongside Danny Shittu but could move to right-back to accommodate his skipper's return with Adrian Mariappa dropping out.

Elsewhere loan signing Collins John could be involved in the matchday squad for the first time since arriving from Fulham in January after he stepped up training in Dubai.

Boothroyd is still without former Wigan midfielder Damien Francis (knee) while Gareth Williams - who was expected to miss the whole season with his cruciate knee ligament injury - trained in Dubai and could feature before the end of the season.

More Football News from TEAMtalk