Hornets boss Gianfranco Zola does not expect striker Troy Deeney to leave the club before the end of the current transfer window.
Deeney has started the season impressively with four goals in his opening two games, including the first Watford hat-trick for more than ten years.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed a superb 18 months on the pitch which has led to speculation of Premier League interest, with Hull City mentioned as a potential suitor.
One journalist suggested Deeney's form could lead to increased interest during the transfer window and Zola replied: "Well that could be a problem. But I’m relying on the fact that here he has a good environment and also that we can help him to improve. So I’m really expecting and hoping he’ll stay with us."
Zola admitted he was impressed with Deeney's conditioning following his summer break and believes the striker doesn't get enough credit for his 'football inteligence'.
Zola said: "I think he’s worked a lot on his physical conditioning and if Troy keeps working on that then he’s got power, he’s got ability and he’s got intelligence. That’s one of his best qualities and one people maybe don't see is his football intelligence. He’s quite bright."
Watford's head coach feels Deeney’s hat-trick from the weekend will not only help Deeney, but the whole team.
Zola said: "We know we can rely on his goals. In order for Troy to keep scoring, I think it’s important we need to keep providing him with balls and keep in control of the game like we did in the second half.
"Otherwise it’s going to be difficult for Troy. If he gets a long ball or a difficult ball once in a while then it will be tough for him. We need to keep providing good balls and keep in control of the game. If we do that then his qualities will come through."
You can hear Eddie Howe's post-match press conference here.
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