Lewington axes out-of-form Webber

Ray Lewington says Danny Webber has been dropped from the Watford team because of poor form.

The 23-year-old striker, who has scored 11 goals this season, has been left out of the last two games despite fully recovering from the dislocated shoulder that kept him on the sidelines for two months.

"He has not been playing particularly well," said Lewington. "Danny was absolutely on fire before his injury but since he came back he has been playing catch-up.

"He played against Coventry [10 days ago] and was really poor. But he is still a very good player."

Lewington denies the player's head has been turned by reported interest from West Ham. He said: "Sometimes there is an element of truth in these stories, but I haven't heard anything. I don't think that is Danny's problem."

Watford play Leicester at Vicarage Road tonight hoping to end a run of three consecutive defeats.

"We always do better against sides that come to play, and I don't think they'll be too defensive," said Lewington.

"We haven't coped with teams who are direct and we'll be looking to address that going into next year.

"A win for us tonight will be a big psychological boost and put us close to safety."

Martin Allen's side, whose FA Cup heroics mean they have at least two games in hand on the six teams above them, are the only League One side in action this evening.