MATT Mills believes Wanderers have to pick up where they left off before the international break and hit the ground running again to maintain their momentum into a busy December.

Mills has helped the team put together a seven-game unbeaten streak going into tomorrow’s trip to Watford.

And he is hoping the form continues as they get ready for a game every four days heading into the new year.

Mills said: “The break is probably not ideal but it is what it is.

“We went into it on a high with two wins, which was good, and now we have rested and regrouped and go again into a busy period.

“Our game-plans away have been good and if we can implement one again at Watford we can get the result we want again.

“I have been playing in the Championship for quite a long time now and know how tight it is.

“If you are in touching distance at Christmas, the run of games in the new year can see things change quickly.

“We know we have to be in striking distance if we are to be where we want to be at the top end.

“We feel our form is on the up and we are certainly looking up the table.

“Whenever you can get into a run of good momentum, like we are now, you can build on it.

“We need to come back and hit the ground running to send us into the Christmas period still with that momentum.”

Mills accepts it will not be easy at Vicarage Road against a side he scored his first Wanderers goal against at the Reebok 14 months ago.

But he is encouraged by recent away form that has seen Wanderers win their last two at Birmingham and Bournemouth.

He added: “Maybe Watford have started a bit slower than they would have wanted to.

“I know that feeling with what happened to me at Reading that when you lose in the play-off final, it can take some time to get over that. But they are a great side and will be there or thereabouts this season again.

“We have done our homework on them and have a game-plan.

“Their team has changed a lot since I scored my first Bolton goal against them at the Reebok a year ago.

“Gianfranco Zola had not long been in charge at that time.

“I think their game is different now but we can go there without fear after our recent away performances.”