Watford’s 2-1 stoppage time win over Cardiff City in the English Championship on Saturday ensured that they are 7 points behind league leaders, Norwich City and their defender, William Troost-Ekong believes that keeping clean-sheet will propel them to return to the Premier League one year after

Watford’s Super Eagles defender, Troost-Ekong who is part of Gernot Rohr’s 24-man list for the 2021 AFCON qualifiers later this month, disclosed how Watford are hoping to keep a clean sheet in every game they play to boost their chances of achieving their promotion target.

The defender has played 24 games across all competitions to help Watford to their current third spot on the Championship table.

The Hornets have conceded the fewest away goals in the league this season and Troost-Ekong has revealed their success is as a result of their teamwork.

“We’ve created that mentality this year. Every time the ball goes out of play we are reminding ourselves to keep a clean sheet,” Troost-Ekong told the club website.

“It’s an uplifting feeling to help the boys and take the pressure off the boys up front. It means we only need to score one to win the game if we defend like that.

“It’s not just the centre-backs, the full-backs and the goalkeeper, though. It’s a team effort. Everyone is doing some leg work for the team, helping to cover the spaces and that means we have one job, which is to defend.

“We have had some outstanding performances in a real team effort.”

“It’s going to be a massive game. The game at home against them was tough and we know what they will bring from set-pieces and how strong they are,” he continued.

“They are on a roll, so we have to show them respect, but not too much as we aren’t a nice team to face either. We regret that defeat at home, and we want to set the record straight. It’s going to a massive game for us.

“Each striker presents a different challenge. You have to be smart and not try and fight players like that all the time.

“You have to try and outwit them, make sure you stand your ground and not be pinned. You have to pick and choose your battles. I enjoy these sorts of games and battles. We need to show them what we are about.”