Ben Davies has been hailed following his impactful performance in the Carling Cup win over Championship Watford on Tuesday.

Davies netted Notts' opening goal with a superb free kick - a spectacular way to open his 2010/11 account.

Manager Craig Short emphasised the creative midfielder's significance to the team.

"I've said to him that it's easier being a centre-half like I was, it's easier to kick the ball in the stand and be a destructive player," he explained to Magpie Player.

"Being a creative player, a match winner, where there's people trying to stop him playing, it's important that he doesn't get frustrated.

"There'll be one moment where he'll show what he can do, like with the free kick.

"I've seen him on the training ground, he's always that threat and with the brawn, you always need a bit of brain and a little bit of skill."

Notts look to make it three wins on the bounce this weekend in the meeting with AFC Bournemouth at Dean Court.