Former Middlesbrough striker Danny Graham happy to be back on target for Watford in the Championship (From Watford Observer)

Former Middlesbrough striker Danny Graham happy to be back on target for Watford in the Championship

7:50am Friday 27th November 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(11)

Danny Graham is relieved to have ended his seven-match goal drought and regain the title as Watford's top scorer.

"Tom Cleverley made a few comments after the Preston game due to him becoming joint top goalscorer but I have changed that now," Graham said.

The former Middlesbrough man introduced himself to the Championship in some style, with six goals in nine league games, following his arrival from Carlisle United in the summer.

But the 24-year-old has been on a barren run since his equaliser at Reading on September 26, which allowed Manchester United midfielder Cleverley to catch up with Graham following his sixth of the season against Preston two weeks ago.

"There is a bit of banter but there is no bitterness," Graham said.

"It is good for team spirit and it is good that we are getting goals from the strikers, midfielders and even Adrian Mariappa has popped up with a goal from the defence."

Last week Watford were boosted by the news that Cleverley will remain at the club until the end of the season – something Graham believes will benefit not only the Hornets but also the England Under-21 international.

"It is good news for us and it is good news for Tom personally," Graham claimed.

"He has come in and done well for a young lad. He couldn't have wished for a better start with all those goals. It is good that he is playing regularly and it is helping to develop him as a player."

Despite not scoring for almost two months, Graham has continued to impress fans with his work ethic and build-up play.

The Gateshead-born striker failed to score in the final 18 games of last season for the League One outfit but insists he wasn't concerned about a possible repeat.

Graham said: "I was pleased to get a goal. I hadn't scored in something like seven games but the manager has stuck by me and told me not to worry because I was doing other things for the team.

"It is good to end my mini goal drought but I was not worrying about it.

"I have learned from the last time. It was a difficult time when I went so long without scoring but that is in the past and I have improved as a player going through such a tough time.

"I have been helping the team in other ways and the manager and staff have been reminding me of that and why I was in the team.

"It was nice to get a goal and also help set up Heidar's goals. It is pleasing that my game has come on that much and I am now also creating goals as well."

Graham started this season playing up top with a second striker behind him, to good effect.

But the Hornets have looked impressive since Heidar Helguson's introduction alongside Graham and the striker believes as long as the team is winning, that is all that matters.

He said: "It is nice to play in a two but it has worked both ways. If I am on my own or in a two, I am not fazed if the team is winning and the team is doing well."

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(11)