TROY STORY Bosses back Deeney’s England bid

Sam Allardyce names his squad next week for the World Cup qualifier with Malta at Wembley on October 8 – and Watford boss Walter Mazzarri believes it would be the perfect game to give the Hornets skipper a chance to prove himself at the highest level.

The Three Lions boss has already shown he is willing to pick players based on their domestic form by calling up West Ham winger Michail Antonio.

And Mazzarri believes now is Deeney’s time to break into the national set-up given that Spurs striker Kane is sidelined with an ankle injury.

The Italian, who takes his side to Turf Moor to play Burnley tomorrow night, said: “He deserves his chance. He is strong and powerful. Why not? He’s a player in very good form.”

Ever since Mazzarri arrived at Vicarage Road in the summer he has been impressed by Deeney’s qualitites and was behind the decision to reject a £27million bid from champions Leicester.

And the Watford boss has a proud history of producing top strikers, t urning Edinson Cavani i nto a world-class talent when he was in charge of Napoli.

Mazzarri does admit to being worried over Deeney’s fitness at one stage but added: “He gives us everything and is at his best right now.

“If Sam Allardyce contacted me about Troy then I would give a strong report.

“I like what he does. I like what he gives to the team.

“I like working with strikers. Some more famous than others.

“The key is to tell them how to be effective but I have always said that it is all about the team.

“If they work hard for the team then the team will work hard for them.”

When the new campaign started most people thought that Mazzarri would be the first top-flight boss to be fired.

However, he has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water and his Hornets side currently sit on seven points after five games. Watford’s impressive 3-1 victory over Jose Mourinho and Manchester United last weekend made headlines around the world and came off the back of an excellent 4-2 triumph at West Ham – where Deeney scored a superb goal. Former Vicarage Road boss Quique Sanchez Flores got off to a similarly impressive start last season but was sacked after results went against him. Mazzarri (below) does have the cushion of a long-term contract but added: “It is all about progress. “Burnley will be a tough test and we will treat the game the same as we did against Manchester United. “I have big respect for Burnley and they’re a strong team. It’s a different type of game and not necessarily an easier game. “They won against Liverpool and that shows that they are strong. “It’s a difficult away game and not an easy match.” And Burnley boss Sean Dyche reckons that the Three Lions chief will have Watford’s Troy Deeney in his sights as he plans for upcoming games with Malta and Slovenia. Dyche managed Deeney during his spell in charge at Vicarage Road and will be the first to shake the striker’s hand when the two are reunited in the Premier League tomorrow night. The former Walsall man obviously left a lasting impression on the Burnley manager and he is full of praise for the way Deeney has come through adversity to become a professional of class, stature and undoubted ability. Since their time working together the Birmingham-born ace has spent time in jail for his part in a violent brawl but he is on the straight and narrow now and, at 28, is reaching his prime. Twice he has rejected invitations to play for Jamaica and always dreamed of pulling on the white shirt of England. Dyche does not think that moment is too far away. He said: “His current form would suggest he’s in a group of players who must be considered. “I would be surprised if he’s not in that group. “The England manager’s job is one of the toughest in the world but Sam is his own man and he will decide if Troy should be picked. “I thought Troy was really good last season and he’s started this one strongly, which is why I think he’s in a pool of players under consideration.” Being on the brink of the England squad is a far cry from where the Watford man found himself in the early stages of his career. Dyche said: “He had a few ups and downs but he was in a good environment at Watford. Troy was really clear-minded. “He wanted to improve and was surrounded by some really good professionals. Since then he has got better and better.

“As a manager you can offer the chance to learn but it’s always down to the players to grip that knowledge, take it forward and use it wisely. Troy has done that. “Not just with me but many coaches and managers.” Dyche also has a lasting friendship with another old boy, Joey Barton, and said that he will always take his call if the midfielder wants to talk him through his troubles.

Barton is serving a three-week suspension at Rangers following a row with boss Mark Warburton and team-mate Andy Halliday – as well as being investigated for betting rule breaches.

Dyche (right) said: “Joey hasn’t phoned but I would certainly talk to him.

“He wanted a new challenge and he has got one. But we don’t know how this story will open up just yet.

“If he gets on with his football there’s no reason why he can’t go on to be a great success there.”