Slavisa Jokanovic claims Watford’s crucial Championship match against Brighton and Hove Albion tomorrow is one of the most important games of his life.

It is a bold statement as it comes from a man who has represented Yugoslavia at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 as a player and won league and cup titles in Serbia and Thailand as a manager. Not to mention playing in a UEFA Cup semi-final for Tenerife.

But with Watford just two victories away from guaranteeing the Championship title and automatic promotion to the Premier League, it is little surprise the Golden Boys boss has stressed the importance of his side’s trip to the south coast.

“I’ve played in many big games,” Jokanovic explained. “And it is clear that the game in front of us is one of the most important games in my life.

“As a football player and coach I’ve played many games. The books say I’ve played many games but in real life I know there is no memory in football.

“What is more important is what I prepare for and how focused I am on Brighton. There is pressure but we must be happy and enjoy our moment.”

Watford moved a point clear at the top of the Championship on Saturday after they defeated Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday drew at Bournemouth.

Unlikely as it seems, if all of their title rivals lose then the Golden Boys would be champions come Monday night, when Bournemouth play, and they could secure promotion tomorrow depending on Middlesbrough and Norwich’s results.

Jokanovic says his side finally sit in “the position we have wanted to be in all season” but he still played down talk of the Hornets lifting the title come May 2.

He said: “I am not thinking about the title. I must wait and see if that arrives. I am only thinking about Brighton because that is easier for me and the players.

“I believe that is the right way. Sorry I can’t give you more information and you must fight to find a headline.”

He added: “Some people have called me [to talk about promotion] and some people have called the players. I try to switch off my mobile and look at what is immediately ahead of us.

“That would be good for them (the players) too. We haven’t done anything yet.

“We can make really important steps but many things depend on us. I can’t think about many different things, that wouldn’t be good for us.”

The Hornets’ match at the Amex Stadium kicks off at 12.15pm as it will be televised on Sky Sports. Defender Matthew Connolly is fit to return to the Watford side after missing the win over Birmingham City with a hamstring injury.

Sean Murray has resumed light training following his knee injury but won’t feature again this season while Joel Ekstrand is also sidelined after undergoing knee surgery earlier this month.

Watford’s clash with Brighton will end before third-in-the-table Middlesbrough and fourth-placed Norwich kick off. Bournemouth, who are second, don’t play until Monday evening.

Jokanovic dismissed the notion a Watford victory would pile further pressure on their promotion rivals and he didn’t want to discuss the possibility that his side could clinch promotion this weekend.

The Hornets head coach added: “I am only thinking about Brighton, Brighton and Brighton. Chris (Hughton) is a great and proud English coach and Brighton are a proud team.

“In front of their supporters they will put everything on the field to try to find some points.

“That is what I expect. I don’t think they will be relaxed and give us an advantage on the field.”

Jokanovic’s calm demeanour hasn’t changed despite the race for promotion intensifying and he was asked how he stays relaxed away from the Hornets’ training ground.

He said: “I have a simple and very poor social life. I am at home or when I have a day off I go to London. I have some friends here so maybe we go have a beer or have some lunch or dinner but that is it.

“If I know I have a day off I make this plan. Otherwise I rest and watch Sky, who could change their movies because there are a little bit the same.”