Quique Sanchez Flores believes Troy Deeney is the soul of the Watford side and says he couldn’t be happier for the Hornets captain who scored his first Premier League goal in the Golden Boys’ 2-0 win at Stoke City.

Deeney opened his account for the season at the Britannia Stadium in the 42nd minute. The striker confidently curled his shot past Jack Butland to put Watford ahead.

Almen Abdi then struck in the second period to ensure the Hornets claimed all three points and their second away win of the season.

It seems every week Flores is asked about Deeney. Today was no exception. The question had changed, however.

Instead of being questioned about his captain’s lack of goals this season, the Spaniard was asked his thoughts on Deeney getting off the mark in the top flight.

He said: “I am really, really happy. I wasn’t worried about Deeney. We’ve talked a lot with Deeney about the situation (not scoring) but he has worked really hard and is the soul of the team.

“We were not worried with the situation but it is better for him. For strikers confidence is always important. That comes when they score.”

Watford may have been shaky in the first half of the clash at the Britannia Stadium but they dominated the second period and deserved their win.

And Flores felt his side’s performance would have troubled any team in the top flight.

“I am really happy with the performance,” he said. “We played really well today and played with a lot confidence.

“We tried to reduce Stoke’s possibilities and defended really well. The balance of the team was amazing and when that happens it is very difficult for Stoke or any other team.”