Watford captain Troy Deeney has nothing but respect for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling who he says “has seen what the real world is about”.

The centre-back spent his formative years as a player at Isthmian League side Maidstone United and, at the age of 18, was focused on heading to university rather than playing professional football.

However, life quickly changed for the now 25-year-old. He was spotted by Roy Hodgson whilst on trial at Fulham and was bought by the Cottagers for £10,000 in April 2008. 

But after just 18 months at Craven Cottage Smalling moved to United for £7 million.

His time at Old Trafford has been mixed. Excellent performances were interspersed with unconvincing displays.

However, the defender has been faultless this season and will take to the field at Vicarage Road tomorrow looking to stop the Hornets and, specifically, Deeney and Odion Ighalo.

“He’s come from a non-league background so you can give him nothing but respect,” Deeney said prior to the contest.

“I appreciate anyone who has seen what the real world is about. It isn’t all burgundy Bentleys and nice watches. It is about grafting away and seeing what you can do. He’s taken that to the top so fair play to him.”

Another United player who has grasped their chance this season is Jesse Lingard. The winger has impressed for the Red Devils in recent weeks and earned a somewhat surprising call-up to the England squad for their friendly against France.

“Jesse is a really good kid,” Deeney said. “I’ve known him around five years now and he is someone who, even when it looked like he’d be leaving Manchester United at the start of the season, chose to stay and fight for his place.

“Now he is getting the rewards. He’s done it the right way too by going out on loan four or five times.

“So I have massive respect for him and I know his Dad well too. Hopefully he doesn’t play that well this weekend but going forward I hope he’ll do well.”