Smith On Deeney: “He Always Rises Above It”

By: Kevin Affleck

Tommy Smith and Paul Robinson believe Troy Deeney demonstrated on Saturday exactly why the captain will one day join them in the Hornets' Hall of Fame.

Deeney slammed in two identical penalties in the space of half an hour at Vicarage Road to help the team come back from a goal down to beat Newcastle 2-1 and pocket a crucial three points.

That's now 131 goals in Watford colours for Deeney and the umpteenth time he has delivered in the team's hour of need.

“He's a great leader,” said Smith, speaking on the Hornets Hive. “He's the kind of guy you really need when you are near the bottom. You need men to stand up and be counted and Troy wants to show that.

“He doesn't just want to talk about it – he wants to prove himself on the pitch, week in, week out. He's a real inspiration. People do question him about his build, about his fitness and if he's good enough, but he always rises above it. I'm delighted for him. He's a great character.”

Robinson is cut from a similar cloth to Deeney and is a big admirer of the qualities the 32-year-old striker brings to the table.

“Everyone has their opinion and sees the game differently,” said Robinson, the former tough-tackling left-back. “Troy needs to keep doing what he is doing. We didn't use him well enough in the first half and that's a collective thing. When we use Troy like we did in the second half, he's massive for the team.

“You've got to get bodies round him and let him do his business in the box, which is what he is paid to do. He loves scoring goals and he's proved the doubters wrong here and got a massive three points for Watford.”

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

Tommy Smith and Paul Robinson were speaking on Saturday's edition of Hornets Hive – our live matchday experience. Tune in on Friday night from 7pm (one hour before kick-off) for more expert punditry from our special guests as well as exclusive insight and interviews. Find out more HERE.

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