It took Will Hughes just 11 minutes of his Watford return to make an impact and play a pinpoint pass from which Troy Deeney struck to down West Brom.

The ease with which the former Derby County man serenely slotted back into the Watford midfield after three months out served a reminder of the 22-year-old’s quality.

Hughes’ use of the ball throughout the cameo display was typically neat and he provided a level of incision Javi Gracia admits others in the Watford squad can’t.

“He was out of the team for a long time because he was injured, but I do not need to stay with him long to know he is able to do different things for the team,” he said.

“He has high quality and can do some things other players can’t.”

Hughes’ pass and Deeney’s dinked finish were the outstanding moments of quality in an otherwise drab clash between Watford and the Baggies.

Gracia is aware of the midfielder’s quality and the manner in which he laid on a vital winning goal on his return was little more than Gracia expected of Watford’s summer signing.

He said: “I’m not surprised, but I think he did a very good job in the time he was on the pitch.

"He was very clever made a very good assist and took care of the ball. I think he was very good for us.”

Hughes’ display on his return to the Watford side has led many to suggest he will be among the starting XI against Arsenal tomorrow.

Gracia refused to confirm whether or not Watford’s number 19 will play from the off at the Emirates, simply stating “we will see.”