Adrian Mariappa has praised the job Javi Gracia has done on the one-year anniversary of his appointment as Watford head coach.

At the time of Gracia’s appointment, the Hornets received criticism for sacking former boss Marco Silva, but one year on, the club has found stability with their replacement, who was rewarded with a new four-and-a-half-year contract in November last year.

Mariappa said after Saturday's draw against Burnley: “He had a real tough job when he come in, we had so many injuries, but it shows you what a job he did.

"We had a good pre-season, we managed to start the season well and we’re in this position now. Obviously we want to push on, all credit to the gaffer. He’s a real top, top manager and I think the performances and the results speak for them self.”

Since their promotion to the Premier League in 2015 the Hornets have struggled to end their campaigns as well as they start them, but Mariappa is convinced that the head coach’s influence, as well as the club’s strength in depth mean that this season they can buck that trend.

He said: “We don’t want that to happen again this year and I go back to the competition for places. Everyone is really pushing this season and at training everyone’s at it.

“The gaffer demands that we do well every game and he won’t let anyone take their foot off the pedal and that translates into the games.”

From praising one boss to honouring another, Mariappa said Saturday’s scarf display in honour of Watford legend Graham Taylor was "amazing” and a “great tribute”.

He said: “It was amazing to walk out and see that. Everyone knows how important Graham Taylor is for our club and I thought it was a great tribute for him today. It’s a shame we couldn’t get the three points, but all in all I thought it was a good day.”