Troy Deeney says that he will be back sooner than expected as he recovers from injury.

The Watford skipper is going through recovery from a knee operation, which he underwent in mid-August.

He is already running on a treadmill and could be ready for field activities very soon.

The striker spoke with the club website about his return date and said: "I know when I'm aiming to be back, it's not too far away now.

"I'm just starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. They are holding me back for my benefit, but when they let me go there will be no stopping me, so they are just trying to rein me in until it's safe medically and then I'll be going and pushing myself.

"I'm just ready for it. I know what to expect and that I will have to fight for my place. I don't think there'll be any playing 45 minutes for the Under-23s first. I'll be expected to go straight in and I'm ready for everything that is coming."