TROY CHEERS BRIT OF A RESURGENCE

TROY DEENEY has given his seal of approval to Watford’s accent on recruiting home-grown players after finding himself leading a league of nations at Vicarage Road.

The Hornets talisman ran out of time to face Liverpool after a groin operation, but after Watford’s £39million spend on four English signings – Andre Gray, Nat Chalobah, Tom Cleverley and Will Hughes – the language barrier is coming down.

Deeney (right) said in his captain’s programme notes: “There’s been a nice emphasis on adding to our home-grown players.

“The Premier League is not a place where nationality is relevant, but you can’t get away from the fact that if players are comfortable with the language and the footballing environment they are likely to settle quicker.

“When you do get someone coming in from overseas, like Richarlison from Brazil for example, more time can be devoted to him as someone from a different country deserves as much care and attention as you can give them.”

Watford boss Marco Silva hinted he may be prepared to change formation to accommodate record £18m signing Gray, who made a promising debut off the bench.

Injuries to Roberto Pereyra, Daryl Janmaat and Younes Kaboul may also force him to spend again. Silva said: “In the game I saw many things I want for my team – the other things I didn’t like so much.”