Andre Gray’s pre-season form is just reward for the Watford striker’s form according to Hornets head coach Javi Gracia.

The striker took his tally to three goals in Watford’s four friendlies by netting the winner in the 2-1 triumph over Brentford at Griffin Park and has looked sharp in recent weeks.

Gray often bore the brunt of supporter unrest last season, but Gracia believes he is now reaping the rewards of his commitment.

“He is a very good professional who always fights a lot and is always thinking for the team not only about himself. I am very happy he is getting the reward for his efforts with goals,” Gracia said “I think he is scoring all the goals he didn’t score last season with me, but I am very happy for him. When I speak about Andre I always say the same [about his work ethic].”

While Gracia was full of praise for Gray, he refused to say whether the striker would be included in his starting line-up against Brighton in two weeks’ time.

Instead the Spaniard said he still hasn’t plenty to think about before the August 11 opener and believes plenty could change between then and now.

He said: “When you ask me something about the line-up I have to say we will see because in this moment I can’t say if one player will start or not.

“There are two weeks left and anything can happen in these two weeks. But I can tell you in this moment I am very happy with Andre.”