Slavisa Jokanovic has said that Watford's 3-1 win away to Nottingham Forest represents a "very important step" on their road to Premier League promotion.

Goals from Odion Ighalo and Matthew Connolly helped the visitors into a 2-0 half-time lead, before Kelvin Wilson was sent off on 59 minutes to steepen the hosts' task.

However, Gary Gardner reduced the arrears for Forest on 79 minutes, before Almen Abdi sealed the win in the closing stages as the Hornets move third, one point behind leaders Bournemouth.

"I have to be happy and it was a big three points and a very important step for us," he told reporters. "We scored a quick goal, which was vital and then we played with confidence.

"There was a 20-minute period in the second half when we didn't do want we wanted to do, but we eventually got the ball back and scored a third goal."

Next up for Watford on the promotion path is the visit of Birmingham City on Saturday.