Watford captain Troy Deeney admits being called "fat" at a family wedding has sparked his form this season.

He got the message and, after shedding a stone of bulky excess muscle, has contributed nine goals and five assists to the Hornets' cause this season.

“My Uncle Dave did me a good turn. We were at my Mum's wedding and he told me I looked fat — it was actually a bit more coarse than that," said Deeney. "Dave runs his own metalworks business and is a straight talker, which I've always appreciated about him.

“I'd been thinking of getting myself going and having a big push for it this year, and that comment sealed the deal. I've not really looked back from that point — along with a bit of social media: a few fans giving me a bit of stick, which I occasionally use for motivation. I made a positive choice to have a massive go at it."