Troy Deeney believes Watford have their fate in their own hands as they prepare for their final eight games of the season.

The Hornets are in second place in the Championship table and are hoping they can do enough to stay there in their push for promotion back to the Premier League.

Talking to the club website, the skipper said this season feels different to the successful promotion campaign of 2014/15, when they finished as runners up.

However there are vital games still to play against sides like Norwich City, Swansea and Brentford with whom they are in direct competition for the promotion places.

"It didn't feel in our hands. This one feels in our hands and that's what you want: to be in control of your own destiny," said Deeney.

“We've got Reading, Norwich, Swansea and Brentford to bring it in and what more do you want? If you can't get up for these games, then you've got to wonder what you are in the game for."

The captain has been missing since the beginning of February with an injury, but could be back before the end of the season, if his rehabilitation continues to go to plan.

He said he feels proud watching his teammates performing the way they have been in recent weeks and is hoping to have some fun with the fans in the top flight, should they get back there for next season

"It's personal to me," he said. "When we went down to the Championship, I wanted to deliver. There is a responsibility to bring fans back to Premier League football so they haven't missed anything. When they come back it will be hopefully Premier League football back under the lights here and we can have some fun.

"I sit here with pride. I want to be involved, but the next best thing is I want the team to do well. There is nothing worse than being injured, the team losing and feeling helpless. I watch the team and support the boys. I'll be traveling now [to games] and I'll be there at Middlesbrough away."