Ian Holloway believes Tommy Smith is a “Premiership standard” player and does not believe he will still be at Vicarage Road when the transfer window closes.

The Blackpool manager praised Watford’s star asset after yesterday’s 2-2 draw at Vicarage Road when Smith scored one and set up Tom Cleverley for the home side’s second.

“There were times when Smith was an unbelievable threat and if they can hold on to him, good luck to them,” said Holloway. “I can’t see them hanging on to him, he’s Premiership standard.”

The Seasiders boss added later: “They’ll do well to hang on to him. If they do, they’ll be a very good side because he’s a top player in my opinion. Put someone like him in my team and how good will we be?”

Malky Mackay was, not surprisingly, asked if there had been any developments with regard to Smith’s expected departure from the club and he responded: “The situation is he’s a Watford player and, as of tonight, he’s still my player.

“I’ve waxed lyrically about Tommy over the last couple of weeks and I would only add to that, that I think he is a top professional who I think is one of the top three players in the league.

“He’s also a good a character and a good character means someone that wants to turn up everyday and give his best and play, and play with his team-mates and give his best in games and right now he’s still got a year left on his contract, so there’s no reason for him not to go out there and play well.

“Again today, he showed cleverness at times and caused problems for Blackpool.

“[There’s] speculation which is being manufactured and created but it’s testament to him and his character that he just goes about his business.

“But I re-emphasise that’s he’s got 11 months on his contract left to go, he’s still a Watford player and I expect that from him. I expect any player that I have to go out there and do their best when they pull on a yellow jersey.”