Matej Vydra has struggled for much of this season but after showing signs of his old self at Blackburn Rovers, he was back with a bang on Tuesday night.

It wasn't just the stunning half-volley, which ultimately proved to be the match-winner against Brentford.

It was a much-improved all-round display. He ran at defenders, provided opportunities for his team-mates and generally worked his socks off.

Vydra scored on his return to Vicarage Road on the opening day of the Championship season but then he went six games for club and country without scoring.

Even then, it was the generosity of Troy Deeney which provided the Czech Republic international with the second goal of his campaign, from the penalty spot at Blackpool.

Deeney was injured later that night and his absence was evident against Bournemouth. He is a huge loss.

Someone had to step up to the plate for Watford; to help fill the void.

Vydra was more lively at Ewood Park on Saturday and scored with a lovely finish. But it still wasn't 'the old Vydra' - a bizarre statement to write considering he is only 22 years of age.

But the quality he showed during the first half of his debut season in England in 2012 and early 2013 have resulted in high expectations. On Tuesday night, he met them.

The pièce de résistance was the stunning half-volley from 20 yards which ultimately settled the contest and handed Billy McKinlay his first victory in management.

Time will tell if Vydra's form has returned. But his new head coach believes the striker is technically as good as any player in the Championship.

McKinlay said: "His goal was a terrific finish. Anybody who has seen him over the last couple of years – particularly here where he scored 22 goals two season ago – will know the quality he has.

"Was it a surprise he was capable of that? I don’t think so and he will be a big player for us this season.

"Technically he is as good as anybody in this league. It is a case of making sure he fits into the shape of the team and finds some consistency – like everybody else."

He continued: "If you look at the players and the quality they have, then you ask them to apply themselves correctly and be professional. If they do that then whatever abilities they have will come to the fore.

"To be honest, I am not worried at all about what happened previously, I am only interested in the two games I have seen and him (Vydra) individually - and the team - have shown good attributes.

"There is plenty of work to do, there is no doubt about that, in terms of the shape of the team, the control and one or two things to be more balanced and disciplined.

"But we have a lot of good players who are capable of playing well and it is about having that blend which is key to having a good balanced team."