Loyalty card pays dividends for Smith

Loyalty is not normally a word associated with footballers, but Watford's Tommy Smith is certainly an exception.

It would have been easy for the striker to turn his back on the relegation-threatened side and demand a move in the January transfer window.

For there would have been plenty of potential suitors, too, for the 28-year-old, who has scored 13 goals this season.

However, Smith who has close family ties with his boyhood club, said he wanted to stay to help Watford beat the drop.

He took a small step in achieving that target in last night's 2-0 victory over when he set up Tamas Priskin before scoring himself to lift Watford out of the relegation zone.

"It feels like a win has been a long time coming," he said. "We have not won for a few games and needed to build on some strong performances.

"In our last league game at home, we beat Burnley 3-0, so we are trying to get some good results to go with the performances. This, though, is a smashing result for us. Swansea were on a great run.

"I am delighted because it's been a tough January and now that's out of the way, we can play football."

Watford's first league win this year moves them to fourth from bottom, a point above Norwich.

Smith added: "We have to work as a team and keep that unity and hopefully work our way up the league table."

"We have had a good spirit all season. We have a group of young lads who never let their heads drop."