Cleverley keen to make impression as Watford bid to avoid cup upset at Woking

Fit-again Tom Cleverley is hoping to maintain his shock-free record in the FA Cup when Watford take on non-league opponents Woking in Sunday’s third-round tie.

The former England, Manchester United and Everton midfielder missed the start of the season after undergoing Achilles surgery but has made cameo substitute appearances recently against Cardiff, West Ham and Bournemouth and is expected to step up his involvement against Woking.

“I hope so,” Cleverley told the club’s website. “I think the manager will make a few changes from what’s been a busy spell.

“There’s a lot of players that have played a lot of games and me not being one of them I’m hopeful to start.

“It’s a real good chance for me to get some good minutes under my belt.”

Sunday’s teams are five divisions apart and Cleverley is confident that complacency will not be a concern for the Premier League outfit at the Laithwaite Community Stadium.

“First of all, your attitude has got to be right,” he said. “You’ve got to apply yourself properly because I’ve played in a lot of cup games against lower league opposition and luckily I’ve never had a shock.

“That’s because the team has gone out and applied themselves. Everyone knows, if you don’t get out of the blocks fast, then it could be a difficult afternoon.”

Cleverley, whose great uncle Reg Stratton scored 64 goals in 123 games for Woking, says Watford have been doing their homework on their opponents, particularly the Cards’ top-scorer Max Kretzschmar, in order to be best prepared.

“From previous experience you’re expecting a passionate crowd, a good atmosphere and for them to come out quick to be physically at it,” he said.

“We have to match that and then hopefully our quality will show through.”