Troost-Ekong ready for Watford challenge

William Troost-Ekong has stated that he is ready to fight his place at Watford FC, BSNSports.com.ng reports.. The Nigeria captain sat on the bench for the game at Reading, played 70 minutes at Derby, was back on the bench against Blackburn Rovers before completing a full 90 minutes against Bournemouth. “The coach has made it clear what he expects from us,” said the defender on Hive Live Extra. “That’s the biggest thing. He also talks to the players. People see him as a serious person, but he speaks to the players and he keeps everyone in the loop about what he’s doing. “If you’ve played well and yet are rotated, he gives you the heads up and that helps so there are no surprises. We have lots of competition and everyone is fighting to do well when they get the chance.” Troost-Ekong took his chance with both hands against Bournemouth. He was rock solid at the heart of a back three, his stand-out moments being an excellently-timed challenge on Dominic Solanke in the first half and then a muscular one on Josh King in the second. “I managed to hang on,” he said. “I felt my hamstring a bit. I’m still adjusting to the speed of the game as my last game with my [former] club was the third of August. I’m still working on my match fitness so I’m happy to get 90 minutes in my legs. “The Championship is a different type of football. It’s more direct and you don’t have so much time with the ball. It’s good quality, from what I’ve seen, and I’m looking forward to the next game.”