Stefano Okaka says he “lives to play” after making an impressive return to the Watford first XI in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.

The 28-year-old came closest to scoring for the Hornets when his first half header came back off the bar and he was among the host’s best players in a competitive clash.

Okaka has had to contend with his fair share of challenges this season after being all but jettisoned by former boss Marcos Silva, but has enjoyed a more prevalent role since Javi Gracia took charge at Vicarage Road.

Returning to the fold has breathed new life into Okaka’s season and the forward is enjoying working under Gracia.

“I live for playing. I don’t live for staying at home like I was before, so if I start I try to give everything and help my teammates to get the result,” he told the club website.

“I’m happy because after nine months of hardly starting in the first XI, to play like this I’m really proud of my body and mind.

“I’m happy to play today and I’m happy with the new coach because he’s treated me so well, and I’ll try to finish the season in a very good way.”

The stalemate with the Eagles saw Watford have the better of the first half before Palace came on strong after the break.

Roy Hodgson’s side could have taken all three points despite Watford deserving at least a share of the spoils after Luka Milivojevic and James Tomkins hit the woodwork.

With Okaka among a number of players still looking to gain full fitness, it was little surprise Watford’s intensity dropped.

For Okaka, the point was a hard earned one and he felt Watford’s players produced a committed display and warranted taking something from the game.

“I think it is a fair result,” He said. “The first half we were better – it was unbelievable. They didn’t really come near our goal and hardly had a shot.

“We dominated and we can see that if we have this attitude we can play very well.

“The second half they pushed a lot but it is not easy when you’re playing at the end of the season. We had some players who haven’t played a lot – like me and Kaba (Christian Kabasele) – but we gave everything and the important thing is not to lose.”

Watford’s performance was built on defensive solidity as much as attacking prowess and they required a resolute performance at the back to keep Palace at bay.

The presence of Kabasele and Craig Cathcart, who has also recently returned from a lengthy lay-off, ensured the Hornets looked more settled than they have in recent weeks.

Indeed, Saturday’s clean sheet was the Vicarage Road club’s first in six outings and Okaka believes matching the intensity shown against Palace will stand Watford in good stead.

“I think the defence today was fantastic. Mariappa – he can play left, right or even in the middle and he always plays well,” he said.

“Kaba and Craig didn’t play for a long time too, so today was really good and I think with this attitude we can do well in the last few matches.”