Troy Deeney remains Watford’s main man. Of that there is no doubt. Yes, Odion Ighalo has scored more goals and has grabbed more headlines but it’s Deeney that holds the Hornets’ attack together.

You would struggle to find a more unselfish striker in the Premier League.

Make no mistake, the 27-year-old loves scoring. He is, after all, the only man in Watford's history to have netted 20 goals or more in three consecutive seasons.

But the current campaign has seen Deeney played in a deeper role. Goal scoring opportunities have been limited, although he has struck nine times in all competitions.

It’s a mark of the player and the man though that he has, in a fashion, sacrificed himself to ensure the Hornets thrive in the Premier League.

It’s not something every player would do. The grandeur of the top flight of English football means one impressive season could lead to a big-money move or international recognition.

But when Watford started their season at Everton back in August, Deeney had only one target in mind.

“My sole aim was to make sure Watford stay up,” he says. “If I am captain of the Watford side that stays up but I’ve only scored one goal then I wouldn’t be happy with that tally.

"But I’d be delighted for the club because it would be the first time we’ve ever stayed up in the Premier League.”

Deeney continues: “I’ve said this season isn’t about personal gain. Would I have liked to score twenty goals? Of course, I’d be lying if I said anything else.

“But if I don’t score again and we end up winning six times it is job done.”

That selflessness has been demonstrated on the pitch time and time again.

It’s a common sight to see Deeney chasing back opposition midfielders and eventually finding himself in Watford’s defensive third.

“I have been doing that all the way through this season and ending up at right back and at left back,” the Hornets skipper explains.

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“So sometimes I’ve probably done too much defensively. But the gaffer has got used to seeing it and if I don’t do that it will look like I’m not playing well or am being selfish.

“Rene (Gilmartin) called me out at half time of the Crystal Palace actually because I’d ended up at left-back a couple of times.

"He said: ‘What are you doing? You’re a striker and you’ve just scored. Go and get a few more.’”

Deeney did just that at Selhurst Park, thumping a half volley past Wayne Hennessey to ensure the Hornets clinched a 2-1 victory.

It was a reminder that when he is given a clear sight of goal, the striker is likely to hit the back of the net.

“There hasn’t been a chance this season that people would say ‘oh, Troy should’ve scored that’. I think I’ve been fairly clinical,” he explains.

“I want more goals, double figures as always. I am used to hitting that and I’ve got nine or ten games to do it.”

But Deeney hasn’t only dealt in goals this season. He has also chipped in with six assists in the top flight. No striker has more.

The majority of those have led to goals for Odion Ighalo.

But when the Nigerian has had the opportunity to return the favour he has often opted to go it alone - as demonstrated against Manchester United at Old Trafford. 

Ighalo had the chance to tee up Deeney for a tap during that game but instead went for goal and was denied. The Hornets would end up beaten 1-0. 

Deeney admits it’s a difficult conundrum to solve. “It’s hard to explain,” he says. “You can’t be mad at Iggy when he has done so well.

“Was I frustrated [at Old Trafford]? Of course. But he has scored 15 goals and he hasn’t done that because he’s passed it to me from a couple of yards out.

“It was one of those days. He could’ve been out there for days and he wouldn’t have scored.”

Deeney continues: “Have I spoken to him? Of course. We talked about the chances at Man United.

"He gave his opinion and I gave mine and that was it. We’re both grown men and what was said will stay between us.

“But I don’t know how someone can score fifteen goals and not be confident.

"He’s still our top scorer and is close to being the top scorer in the Premier League. So his confidence is sky high. He just needs a goal.

“He’s proven over the last 18 months that when one goes in he usually gets two or three. So the team he scores that one against should be worried.”

The question is then put to Deeney, is he one of the most unselfish strikers in the top flight?

“Definitely. I am confident enough to say that,” he says.

“I am still our target man. Our out ball is to hit me. So I am doing a lot defensively but when we’re in trouble I’ve got to be the one winning the ball up the pitch and keeping it.

“I am definitely unselfish. If the roles was reversed at Old Trafford, and both of you (the local press) wrote it, if that chance had fallen the other way around you’d know 100 per cent we’d have gone in front because I’d have passed it.

"So everyone can see it. I don’t have to bang my drum. You guys aren’t stupid. You know what you’re looking at.”

Deeney will never be a player who lacks confidence. He has a burning desire to succeed and doesn’t settle for second best.

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It’s why he rates his first season in the top flight as “OK”. He believes he will improve next season. If he doesn’t he knows there is a chance that he could find himself out of the side.

“I don’t want to compare myself to (Jamie) Vardy because I don’t want to be putting pressure on myself,” he says.

“But he only scored five or six goals last season. He then gained confidence from that, learnt about the league and is now the hottest property in English football.”

“I’ve had an OK season, not great,” Deeney continues. “I am very confident I can have a better season next time around.

“I don’t think I’ve ever taken a step back over the last four years, whether that be by scoring more goals or improving my game.

“We’re only going to get better players in as well. So if I don’t raise my game I will be on the bench or in the stands. And everyone knows I don’t like that.

“So I will keep grafting and see what happens. I will keep learning and keep enjoying being a Premier League footballer.

“You can always do more. More goals or more assists. My missus and I will sit down at the end of the season and analyse what more I can do.

“I am a harsh critic but she is even harsher than me because if I get comfortable then I am no good for anyone. So there is loads more to come.”