WATFORD'S Player of the Year Tom Cleverley will receive his award in front of the home crowd at Saturday's game against Reading (24 April) and Malky Mackay has praised Cleverley's character and talent.

He said: "The important thing about a loan player is when they come to the Club, they have to buy into the club and think that you are a Watford player ".

"You have to buy into the Club and the people there and become part of the community to be a success and Tom did that straight away."

Malky: "Tom's award was throughally deserved."

Cleverley follows in the footsteps of Watford legends Tommy Smith, Ben Foster, Alec Chamberlain and Tommy Mooney in receiving the acclaimed award and it is a tribute to both his sucess on and off the field as a Watford player.

"He got stuck in and went to all the community events" said his manager.

"He applied himself in training as well and played and acted like a Watford player throughout his time here.

"On top of that - he's talented and on top of that his work-rate and determination to be a footballer all contribute to the fact he got Player of the Year, which was throughally deserved."

Malky on Cleverley: "His contribution all round to the Football Club was immense."

The England U21 forward now goes back to Sir Alex Ferguson with a glowing report from Watford and a near full season of Championship football behind him.  

Malky continued: "Tom is returning to Manchester held in very high regard by the staff here, the players and the fans.

"He is going in the knowledge that if he keeps up his work rate and the determination he's got at the moment, he's got a very good chance of being a top top footballer.

"His contribution all round to the Football Club was immense."

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