Fitzgerald still in dreamland

The 24-year-old was turning out for Northwood in the Ryman League at the start of 2003 but a free transfer move to Vicarage Road in February changed his life.

He has taken to Division One football like a duck to water and his form has been so impressive that Hornets boss Ray Lewington has already signed him on a longer contract until 2006.

Fitzgerald banged in his eighth goal of the season on Saturday in a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest and he can still hardly believe he is a Division One regular.

"I can't help but pinch myself at times," said Fitzgerald.

"It amazes me how far I've come so soon. I was playing in the Ryman First Division North this time last year

"We are playing well and it was annoying to concede in the last minute, as we did at Reading last week. We seem to take our foot off the gas when we score.

"But earlier this season we'd have been pleased with a point from this type of game, so it shows how far we have come."