Watford captain Troy Deeney has suggested that Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin was not appreciated during his loan spell with the Hornets.

The 20-year-old right-back spent three months on loan at Vicarage Road in 2013, before going on to establish himself in the Arsenal side last season following an injury to Mathieu Debuchy.

Bellerin has earned praise for his performances for the Gunners, but Deeney has claimed that then-Watford head coach Giuseppe Sannino did not rate the Spaniard during his time there.

"He's a good kid and it didn't really work out too well for him here," Deeney told The Metro.

"That shows you about football, doesn't it? Your career is defined by the opinions of individuals about your game.

"Giuseppe didn't really see him at full-back but I'm sure he was playing Champions League football later that season. Hector's keeping Debuchy out of the side, so he must be doing plenty right."

Bellerin has made 11 appearances for Arsenal this season.