Watford boss buoyed by Chris Iwelumo fitness
Last updated on .From the section Football
Watford boss Sean Dyche has declared striker Chris Iwelumo fully fit, following a spell on the sidelines.
The 33-year-old has played once in the last month since enduring criticism for his early season performances.
Dyche had defended the Scotland international's displays, saying he was carrying an injury.
"Chris is looking really, really sharp, it's good to see him back to what we'd call a real fitness level," Dyche told BBC Three Counties Radio.
"We asked him to play when he wasn't truly fit, but with Andi Weimann and Joe Garner coming in, that's allowed him more time."
And the Hornets boss has received a further boost, with the news midfielder Stephen McGinn has stepped up his recovery from the knee injury which has kept him out for almost six months.
"He's fantastic, it's great to see him around, he's just beginning his light running work," said Dyche.
"It'll be great to see him when he gets into real running work, because when you get into that you start to feel yourself again."
Meanwhile, midfielder Prince Buaben could be edging closer to his first taste of competitive action for the Vicarage Road side, after failing to make an appearance since arriving from Dundee United in the summer.
"Part of it is the physical fitness, which he was behind the curve on but is catching up," Dyche explained.
"And the mental fitness, it's a different level of football the Championship, with all due respect to Scottish football.
"Prince is doing nicely, he's in the pack, he's developing, getting used to the group and English football, and he'll be pushing to get involved with the Championship as soon as possible."
