Watford captain John Eustace believes Adrian Mariappa will end up back in the Premier League despite remaining at Vicarage Road during the transfer window.

Mariappa was the subject of several bids in recent weeks, with Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic showing particular interest in the centre back.

The 25-year-old has made no secret of his desire to play in the top flight of English football and the Hornets captain believes his deputy will end up back in the Premier League.

Eustace said: "Aidy has been immense all season. He’s been immense since I have been at the club. I’m sure he’ll get his chance in the Premier League."

It has been a tough week for Watford following the departure of leading goalscorer Marvin Sordell but Eustace has echoed the views of manager Sean Dyche with regards to the squad's response.

He said: "We have a very strong group and when players leave we stick together and it makes no difference. You saw against Barnsley the desire of the team. The lads want to win."

The 32-year-old helped Watford deal with the loss of Sordell at the weekend as he scored both goals in the win over Barnsley.

Eustace was keen to deflect the attention away from himself though and praised the Hornets strike partnership of Troy Deeney and Joe Garner.

"It’s nice to score and it doesn’t matter who you score them against, a goal is a goal. It was great to score but I’m not Marvin’s replacement" Eustace joked.

"I have to say the work-rate of Troy Deeney and Joe Garner was unbelievable. That really set us up for the match. They were outstanding."

Watford are now 12 points clear of the relegation places but Eustace was quick to stress that the 2011/12 campaign is a rebuilding season.

He said: "It’s an important season for the club in general. We have a new manager and new team and he’s building and if we can stay in the league this year, next season we should be in good stead."