Troy Deeney has lauded Stefano Okaka’s impact since returning from his Watford exile.

The powerful Italian spent time out of the Hornets squad in the wake of a January transfer window which saw him agitate for a move away from the club.

However, he returned as a second half substitute to set up Deeney’s winner in the 1-0 defeat of Everton and made an impact from the bench once more against West Brom on Saturday.

Writing in his pre-match comments in the Watford programme ahead of the Baggies clash, Deeney was quick to heap praise of his fellow striker.

“I always say it is horses for courses so it’s no disrespect to the boys that went off but the big man, Stef, made a massive presence of himself,” Deeney said.

“He’s quite a footballer by the way, it’s deceptive at his build and size. Having two big fellas up front gave Everton’s defenders the sort of problems they’re not used to.”

Okaka has played a bit part role throughout the campaign having fallen out of favour with former Watford boss Marco Silva.

Deeney says the campaign has been tough for the 28-year-old but believes he is enjoying life at Vicarage Road once again.

“The big man is feeling the love from us players and rightly so. He’s had to deal with a lot this season,” he said.

“If you think back to him being the main man against Liverpool and then bombed completely a few games later.

“Once he gets right up to full steam in terms of match fitness, he’s going to be back to that player we first saw burst onto the scene last season – unplayable at times, genuinely.”