Gracia Plans To Stick With Gomes

Watford boss Javi Gracia has indicated he will stick with goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes for next month’s FA Cup semi-final against Wolves.

Former Brazil international Gomes is expected to retire from playing when his contract at Vicarage Road expires this summer and he is yet to feature in the Premier League this season, with Ben Foster firmly established as the Hornets’ number one.

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However, Gomes has been given the nod throughout Watford’s run to the FA Cup semi-finals, including as they beat Crystal Palace in the last eight on Saturday, and Gracia appears set to stick with the 38-year-old when they head to Wembley next month Nuno Espirito Santo’s men.

“I will take my decision like I’ve done so far,” Gracia told reporters. “It doesn’t change for me because it will be the semi-final or the final — because I trust all my players and I will decide what is best for the team. “Ben Foster is the first player to congratulate Heurelho.

We have a good attitude in the team and this is helping us to achieve all our objectives. “I take it day-by-day and be as fair as possible with all my players.”

Gomes did not feature the last time Watford reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 2016, as Costel Pantilimon was given the nod as the Hornets missed out on a place in the final after losing 2-1 to Crystal Palace.