A Carabao Cup run can play an important role in maintaining squad harmony, according to Watford keeper Ben Foster.

Tonight’s second round tie with Reading at the Madejski Stadium will see Javi Gracia make a number of alterations to a starting XI he has previously left unchanged this season.

Foster is likely to be among those who will make way for Watford’s second string, with Heurelho Gomes expected to come in for his first game this season.

For Foster being left out is not a concern and he feels those coming into the side against Reading have earned the right to do so.

“I think it is good to give other players a game sometimes, especially the likes of Gomey or Pontus [Dahlberg],” Foster said.

“They have been out on the training ground with us every day of the week working just as hard because they want to play.

“When a chance comes along to play a game it is only fair they should be given it. It keeps them hungry and keeps them interested.”

Game time will, of course, represent a chance to impress for players who have yet to feature for Watford this term.

The likes of Adam Masina and Marc Navarro could well be handed Watford debuts, while Gerard Deulofeu is pushing for a return from injury against tonight’s Championship opponents.

Having made such a bright start to the season, it could be argued Watford do not need to call on reinforcements from their squad.

Foster, though, feels keeping all of Watford’s players involved can only have a positive impact on both regular starters and those who remain rotation options.

“If we win against Reading we have another game in three weeks’ time which keeps them (Gomes and Dahlberg) on their toes and will also push me,” he said.

“It will keep me going for the Saturday matches and they also know they have a game to look forward to.

“Having a cup run is such a big thing for a team like us because it keeps all the fringe players interested.”