Tuesday 27 December 2016 16:25, UK
Heurelho Gomes has praised the character and leadership shown by Troy Deeney and says he is delighted Watford’s captain has managed to bring up a century of goals for the club.
Deeney was surprisingly named among the substitutes for Watford's Boxing Day clash with Crystal Palace after a barren run of 10 games without scoring, but was brought on after just 14 minutes following an injury to Valon Behrami.
He went on to score a 71st minute penalty in the 1-1 draw with Palace, ending his lengthy pursuit of his 100th goal for the club and becoming just the fifth Watford player to reach the landmark.
"For a striker if you don't score goals you're going to be criticised but Troy always tried to help us and was always there to fight," Gomes said.
"As soon as he realised he wasn't going to play he never was negative in the dressing room. He always tried to push us and encourage the group.
"It's something [the 100-goal target] that was on his shoulders for a long time. He was trying and pushing hard, but as with the whole team, sometimes it didn't work.
"It was great. I'm pleased for him. It is a good moment in Watford's history and he's our captain.
"He always shows his passion for the club and it's a good mark for him."
First-half injuries suffered by Daryl Janmaat and Behrami further weakened a Watford squad already undermined by numerous absentees.
Asked if he had ever previously experienced such an injury crisis, Gomes said: "No, not like we are having at the minute.
"Sometimes we play games closer to each other, sometimes we have a long time to recover but we don't recover, because we train hard. The players are trying to get used to the way but I believe it's up to us."
New customer winter madness offer: save over 40% on your Sky Sports Month Pass, just £20
