Watford will hand a late fitness test to Heidar Helguson ahead of Saturday's Championship clash with Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.

Helguson has been receiving intensive treatment over the international break on the calf injury he suffered on his second Hornets debut against Leicester last month.

Skipper Jay DeMerit is still missing with an eye infection which may yet require surgery.

Craig Cathcart, Ross Jenkins, Henri Lansbury, Don Cowie and Will Hoskins were hit by a sickness bug ahead of the 4-0 defeat by Cardiff last time out but all have recovered.

Cathcart and Cowie have since come back from international duty in one piece.

Marvin Sordell and Liam Henderson scored for the reserves in midweek in a match which also saw Scott Severin get a run-out to prove his fitness following a recent groin injury.