Malky Mackay praises Watford players and Heidar Helguson's maturity after draw with Leicester City

The introduction of Helguson at half time, with the Hornets 2-0 down, changed the game and the 32-year-old’s double should have handed the home side all three points, before City’s late equaliser.

Helguson had to go off due to a calf injury on 81 minutes and Mackay confirmed the club would assess the striker in the coming days.

When asked about Helguson’s 36-minute cameo in his post-match press conference, Mackay said: “In the first minute of the second half he showed his intent with a sliding chance that just went by and I think from there on he showed his maturity, the fact he was a man coming into the game.

“He worked hard and his combination with Danny Graham and how they knew where each other were playing, was excellent.

“You also know what you are going to get from him. The staff at the club have played against him or with him over the last few years and you know you are going to be in a game if you go against him.

“If you get quality ball into the box, which we did in the second half, then you are going to have chances with him and that is what he showed today.”

Mackay was also asked whether he felt the result was a point gained or two points lost.

“I don’t really know,” Mackay replied.

“There were that many twists and turns in the game. I thought second half we dominated totally and we had the one that hit the bar as well. I just looked at the video of the free kick that the referee gave on the edge of the box and it was inside the box, so should have been a penalty as well and that puts it out of sight.

“I don’t think Leicester were a threat to us at all and but for seeing a game out, which we need to learn to do, we take three points.

“If you ask me at half time, I would be delighted with a point. At the end, Leicester get the point but as far as the players are concerned, I am very proud of them.”

You can hear the rest of Mackay’s post match press conference, by clicking here.