NIELSEN SUFFERS NEW INJURY SETBACK

The former Tottenham Hotspur ace has been sidelined since September after damaging ankle ligaments on international duty with Denmark.

Nielsen had hoped to return to the first-team soon after returning to training, but he has broke down in training and he faces another six weeks out.

"I have been told there is ligament damage and bone bruising in the ankle," said Nielsen. "I knew it was a bad injury when I did it but I just didn't know how bad.

"Now I have to concentrate on getting it right but I can't start running again until December."

Meanwhile, Hornets boss Gianluca Vialli has admitted he faces a fight to hold onto highly-rated striker Tommy Smith.

Vialli is hoping to extend the in-form forward's contract, which expires in 2003, but he knows that a number of top clubs will be interested in taking him away from Vicarage Road.

"I want him to stay with us for as long as possible but I also wish him to become a superstar and unfortunately there are clubs bigger than Watford," said Vialli.

"One day I think it is fair to say he might be too good for our club."