Watford forward Marlon King insists he can emulate the achievements of Darren Bent and Andrew Johnson if he earns a second crack at the Barclays Premiership.

King has been a frustrated figure for much of the campaign after sustaining a knee injury last November, and he returned to first-team action only earlier this month.

Last weekend's 1-1 draw with Manchester City ensured Watford were relegated to the Coca-Cola Championship after only one season in the top flight - but after making just 11 appearances, King feels he has some unfinished business in the Premiership.

"I believe I can do what (Everton forward) Johnson and (Charlton striker) Bent did in the Premiership," said King, referring to the 22 goals Johnson scored for Crystal Palace in the 2004/05 campaign, and the 22 Bent struck for Charlton the following season.

"It was just disappointing not to have had the chance this season, but I am sure I will get another one.

"We played against Johnson in the play-offs (when Watford beat Palace in the semi-finals last May), and I played against Bent when he was at Ipswich and in a pre-season game against Charlton.

"They did well and made the transition in their first seasons, and I believed I could, too.

"I was starting to find my feet, and then the chance was taken away from me by the injury.

"But it didn't do Johnson too much harm when he went back down to the Championship (after Palace were relegated in 2005)."

Johnson scored 17 goals in the second tier last season and, although it was not good enough to earn the Eagles promotion, it did pave the way for the England international's £8.5million switch to Everton last summer.

Despite his lengthy absence, there has been no lack of Premiership interest in King.

The 26-year-old's contract at Vicarage Road does not expire until the summer of the 2009, and manager Adrian Boothroyd intends to keep his best players for the tilt at promotion next season.

"I have not asked to leave," King continued. "I have enjoyed my time here, and I have two years left.

"Where am I going to go? The only thing I am interested in is regaining my sharpness and doing well for Watford.

"I am contracted for the next two years, so things are out of my hands.

"Playing in the Championship again? It is something which has to be done.

"It is always nice to have speculation around your name, but I had that before I returned from injury.

"My focus is on getting fit and doing my best for Watford."

After surprising many by winning promotion last May, Watford will be among the favourites when the new Championship campaign begins in August.

King was quick to warn his team-mates not to underestimate the challenge which lies ahead in the second tier.

He said: "You only have to look at clubs like Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest to see what can happen. You can get carried away and become complacent.

"It can't work like that, because the Championship is probably the hardest league to win promotion from.

"But the Premiership attracts all sorts of players, and to be a part of it is the dream of every kid.

"When you play regularly in the Premiership, you know you are at the top of your game.

"You enjoy the attention, the attendances, and pitting your wits against the best players."