Malky Mackay believes that Troy Deeney is bound to play in the Premier League, with or without Watford.
The Wigan Athletic boss made the claim after he had seen the 26-year-old score both of Watford's goals in a 2-0 win over his side at the DW Stadium last night.
"Quite rightly because of his hard work, he will end up in the Premier League - one way or another," Mackay told reporters.
The Scot, who signed the frontman in 2010 during his stint in charge of Vicarage Road, added: "That is why I bought him in the first place.
"He is an absolutely terrific centre-forward and he has blossomed. For me he is by far the best centre-forward in this division. He is an all-rounder."
Deeney has scored eight goals in his last six games for the Hornets, who now top the Championship.
