Watford manager Slavisa Jokanovic has backed Troy Deeney to match his 24-goal haul of last term.

The 26-year-old was second in the Championship scoring charts as the Hornets finished 13th in 2013-14.

Injuries and three managerial changes had hindered his early-season form, but a hat-trick in the 5-0 thrashing of Fulham last Friday took his tally for the campaign to seven, and Jokanovic expects Deeney to keep improving.

"He returned after an injury problem and has been working step by step," he told reporters.

"Troy is now starting to be really important for us again, just like he has always been for Watford.

"We expect so much from Troy. He scored 24 times last season and he needs many goals to reach that target again. However, I, his teammates and the supporters expect him to reach that target again."

Watford host Wigan Athletic on Saturday.