Watford boss Javi Gracia would like Heurelho Gomes to remain at the club beyond the end of this season but admits his future will not be decided yet.

The Brazilian goalkeeper’s contract expires this summer although Gracia is keen to keep him at the Premier League club for longer.

Speaking on Wednesday, Gracia said: “I think his contract ends this season but we will have to speak about that later in the year. We will not decide anything now because we don’t really know what he wants to do next season. First of all we have to see what is his desire and then after that we will have a look.

“I would like to have the keepers we have this season for a long time because all of them are good keepers. They are most importantly good keepers but also good people as well.”

Gomes celebrates his 38th birthday today and looks certain to start in goal for Watford in tonight’s FA Cup tie at Queens Park Rangers.

The veteran shot stopper has played in both of the previous rounds of the competition this season and is set return to the team for the match at Loftus Road.

Gracia said: “Maybe it’s something I can’t explain with words because it’s something very special to me to have a keeper like Gomes with his attitude every day helping the team.

“You know always he’s ready to help the team every day and when you decide he has to play he shows his quality and I think I’m very lucky to have the keepers I have. Not only as players but as people as well because they are very good professionals.”

The Watford head coach added: “When I speak with the keepers sometimes other people talk about the first and second choice but for me there is no first or second.

“All of them for me have the same level and after I decide every game who is going to play. I don’t like to make that difference. Only I have to decide on 11 players to start and the ones on the bench but they are all important.”