Combative Watford midfielder Jonathan Hogg admits he is thrilled with the faith being shown in him by manager Gianfranco Zola.
The 23-year old is one of a few who remained on the Hornets list after Zola took over in the summer and he has been the clubs most used outfield player so far this season.
Hogg, who kicked off his career with Aston Villa, admits it feels good to be backed so heavily by the boss who is still capable of mixing it with the lads on the training pitch.
"I'm glad he has put his faith in me," Hogg told Press Association Sport of the former Chelsea star.
"I'm one of those players who does a job for the team. Most fans won't pick up on what I do, but I go out there and run my socks off and do a job for the team.
"Hopefully the more success the team gets then the more noticeable recognition all of us get because we all deserve some credit for the performances we've been putting in.
"We've got a lot of different players in the team this year, a lot of different qualities compared to what we had last year. The gaffer's put a lot of faith in me, playing me every time I've been fit. I'm really happy with that."
He added: "He joins in training now and again and I don't think he's lost any of it, to be fair, he's fantastic sometimes in training. He puts some of us to shame with some of things he does.
"It's an absolute joy to work with him."
