Watford striker Troy Deeney is expected to be playing in the Premier League next season.

Deeney scored twice as Watford beat Wigan 2-0 at the DW Stadium this week.

Wigan manager Malky Mackay, who signed Deeney for Watford in 2010 during his spell in charge at Vicarage Road, says the 19-goal forward is "by far" the best in the division and feels he is destined to play in the Premier League.

"That is why I bought him in the first place," said Mackay. "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."