Deeney plays 45 minutes in friendly

Recently released Troy Deeney was joined by Fitz Hall and Stephen McGinn in playing for a Watford XI against QPR XI this afternoon.

The Hornets went down 3-1 to the west London outfit but the game was about the fitness of Deeney, Hall and McGinn, none of whom are match fit at this stage.

Deeney of course has just been released from prison and is building up his fitness and match sharpness after being cleared to resume playing at the club by Gianfranco Zola.

Midfielder McGinn has finally returned to the fold following an agonizing 19 months on the sidelines and is now fit enough to be selected for first team matches.

Finally, former Hoop Hall has had to overcome a frustrating period of niggling injuries and a lack of fitness.

Speaking afterwords to The Official Site, Gianfranco Zola spoke positively about the trio:

“Troy played 45 minutes, while Fitz Hall managed 55 minutes, Stephen McGinn did well and played 75 minutes,’ confirmed Zola.

The boss continued:

“Fitz did well and I was pleased with Troy. He looked like he was in good shape. He obviously still isn`t 100 per cent but the signs were encouraging.

“Stephen is a good player and I`m finding out more about him – physically he`s getting better.”

QPR named a strong XI which included midfielders Samba Diakite, Kieron Dyer and Shaun Derry as well as DJ Campbell.

Watford’s penalty woes continued with Campbell firing the Hoops ahead from 12 yards before Steve Leo Beleck levelled.

Another penalty from youngster Frankie Sutherland put the R’s ahead before Tom Hitchcock completed the job from close-range.

Watford starting XI: Bond; Hodson, Hall, Hoban, Dickinson; McGinn, Chalobah, Smith; Beleck, Deeney & Forsyth.