Troy Deeney says he will miss Watford’s next three Championship matches due to the hamstring injury he sustained against Blackpool.

The 26-year-old striker was absent for the Golden Boys’ 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on Saturday and was a pundit on Sky Sports’ live coverage of the game.

The club stated on Thursday that Deeney would be out for a matter of weeks and speaking after the weekend draw against the Cherries, Watford’s captain gave a brief update of his likely return.

"I hope to be back after the international break, so I'll miss the next three games," he told Sky Sports.

While Deeney’s injury ruled him out at the weekend, Craig Cathcart made his debut for the club following the knee problem which had kept him out since pre-season.

The defender impressed and earned the Hornets a point as he netted Watford’s equaliser following a well-timed volley into the bottom corner. 

Deeney said: "We needed a presence and what a finish that was. Any striker would be happy with that."

Missing from Saturday’s game was Oscar Garcia. The Hornets head coach was continuing his recovery in hospital after suffering from chest pains nine days ago. 

It means the Spaniard has only overseen one Watford match since arriving at the club, the 1-0 defeat against Charlton Athletic.

However, Deeney has been impressed with Oscar and said in his programme notes that the fact the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss can speak English is "a massive thing for me".

He also believes it will give his teammates who’ve slacked on their English lessons a kick up the backside.

Deeney also praised Oscar’s training sessions. He stated they were a massive change to that of Beppe Sannino and added the shorter but intense sessions were more beneficial for the players.

The striker also said the work ethic midfielder Lewis McGugan has shown in training could make a positive impression on several other Hornets players.

Watford's draw on Saturday leaves the Hornets fourth in the Championship table after eight games, they are currently on course to challenge for promotion.

Deeney believes reaching the Premier League is a realistic aim for the Golden Boys this season.

He explained: "It's our aim to go one better than the season before last. Of course it's a realistic aim. There are about 15 teams in this league who will be saying that but we really do have a good squad."