Troy Deeney admitted he only has himself to blame for failing to cement a starting place at Watford following his summer move from Walsall.

Deeney was the Hornets’ most expensive acquisition in the summer and went straight into the squad for the Championship opener at Norwich City.

But last Saturday was just the second time this season Deeney had made three consecutive starts.

Deeney was in the starting XI for all five games in November but then made just two more starts before his return against Millwall on March 5.

Tuesday night was Deeney’s fourth consecutive start and the Birmingham City fan has impressed since he was brought back into the side.

He said: “I had my chances towards the start of the season and I did not take them so it is my own fault. I had a word with the gaffer, he sat me down and we talked and I think now you are seeing that coming out more.

“I am expressing myself a lot more and if Danny [Graham] gives me that first goal I might be on the goal trail again.”

Deeney was signed for Watford in a deal which could eventually reach £650,000, although £150,000 of that is dependant upon the Hornets being promoted and a large chunk of the £500,000 is other add-ons.

Just over four years ago Deeney was a trainee bricklayer and the striker is using his debut season in the Championship as a “learning curve”.

When asked about coming back into the side after a long time on the sidelines, Deeney said: “It makes you appreciate how well the lads have been doing. Marvin [Sordell] has done tremendous, Andi Weimann, Matty Whichelow – all of them came in and did well.

“For me it is a learning curve and I am training harder and working harder and hopefully I am starting to get the rewards for that.

“It all bodes well for the team if everyone is pushing each other for places. It keeps you on your toes.

“Danny will tell you the same, if he was in a comfort zone then he would not have scored as many as he has.”

Malky Mackay has praised Deeney’s impact in recent weeks and said it often takes new signings time to settle in, particularly if they are having to move home.

“I have a young son as well so not seeing him as much is different, it has taken a bit of adapting to,” Deeney said when asked about the difficulty of moving south.

“I have adapted to it now, he has adapted to it now and it is one of those things. It is work at the end of the day.

“I have to provide a living for my family so have to live away. We have nine more games left, well hopefully 12, and then I will be seeing him every day so it is not too bad.”

Deeney was Walsall’s top scorer last season, playing predominately as striker but he has been deployed on the right of midfield since his return.

He said: “I have played right midfield before in my early days at Walsall but I think I am starting to understand it a bit more now, looking at dvds and stuff with the coaching staff and the gaffer.

“I am just trying to do a job for the team. It is my first year in the Championship, I am learning with every game and I am just happy to be here.

“Every day is a learning experience so hopefully I can get through this season and start next season even fitter and stronger and raring to go.”

When asked to sum up his time at Watford so far, Deeney added: “I have found it very enjoyable, it has been a good learning experience and they are a great bunch of lads.

“The coaching staff and management have been nothing but generous to me and have helped me out massively.

“I have got nothing but good things to say about them and I just want to repay them with my performances and hopefully I can keep doing that.”