Watford head coach Billy McKinlay admitted Oscar Garcia’s shock resignation made preparing for last night’s match difficult for his players.

Oscar was with the Hornets squad the day before yesterday’s 2-1 victory over Brentford and was in the team photo which was taken hours before he stunned the club by handing in his resignation.

McKinlay went from first team coach to being announced as head coach in the space of a couple of hours.

Hectic and strange were two of the words McKinlay used to describe Monday and, understandably, it did affect the players.

Speaking after the win over Brentford, McKinlay said: “We didn’t control the game at certain times as well as I would have liked but I couldn’t fault the players’ spirit, attitude and application - particularly after yesterday. It was a difficult day for the players because they were getting to know Oscar and were looking forward to working with him.

“It was as big a shock to them as anybody else so all-in-all, looking at it balanced, it was a terrific result.”

He continued: “Yesterday (Monday) was a really strange day because things happened so quickly and the rest is history.

“It was a hectic day yesterday but I spoke to the players and said the most important thing is your performance and focus.

“Unfortunately these things happen in football, in many different guises, and the most important thing is focussing and concentrating on the game and trying to cut away the side-show.

“I think they did that really well and I am pleased.”

Watford excelled during McKinlay’s first half in management and should have lead by a greater margin at the break, as Odion Ighalo’s goal was all they had to show for a dominant opening period.

Brentford improved considerably after the break and scored a worthy equaliser through Jonathan Douglas.

Matej Vydra regained the Golden Boys’ advantage in stunning fashion and both teams had chances to score in the final 20 minutes.

McKinlay was desperate for his team to start well after Monday’s upheaval and Saturday’s draw with Blackburn Rovers, when the Hornets sacrificed a two-goal lead.

The Hornets boss said: “I thought it was important to start the game really well - with and without the ball - after yesterday and the disappointment of Saturday. I thought we did that.

“I thought we passed it well, we found people in the pockets [of space] and I thought the wide players were causing them problems. Matej in the hole [behind the striker] was causing them particular problems and we probably should have been 2-0 up after maybe 15, 20 minutes.

“What happens then is when they come back into the game you get a bit dejected because you are not further ahead than you should be.

“I thought we played some good stuff. We are not going to be a long-ball team, we will play good football at the right times but we have to play winning football. I think we have enough quality in the group to play winning football.”

The victory moved Watford up to third in the Championship and level on points with leaders Norwich City and second-placed Nottingham Forest. Kenny Jackett’s Wolverhampton Wanderers could go top tonight if they beat Huddersfield Town at home.

The Hornets have been far from their best for most of this season but are unbeaten in their last four matches, winning two of those.

McKinlay said: “The league position is pleasing and it is important that you pick up results consistently – that is the key to doing well in this league.

“We probably lost two points on Saturday after being two goals ahead at Blackburn so I thought it was important that we won tonight because you want to build a bit of momentum. Draws are ok but victories are what are needed.”

He added: “There is no doubt Saturday would have been in the back of the players’ minds in terms of conceding the late goal and being bombarded at Blackburn. So the spirit, the desire and the defying attitude to see it through are as important qualities as anything.

“I think the crowd saw that and responded. We needed a little bit of help halfway through the second half when we were not playing as well as we had hoped and they (the crowd) wanted to see us win.

“If the fans realise the impact they have on the players, they might be surprised.”

You can read more of McKinlay's comments here and you can listen to the large majority of his press conference here