Rene Gilmartin on Troy Deeney saga

Former Walsall goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin has insisted Troy Deeney deserves his shot at the Championship and reckons he would thrive at Watford.

Gilmartin - who quit the Saddlers for the Hornets last month - wants Deeney to join him at Vicarage Road.

The striker has handed in a transfer request in a bid to force through a move to Watford, who have had four bids rejected.

And Gilmartin believes Deeney has earned his chance to make the step-up.

He said: "When a Championship club comes calling you move. With his transfer request he's letting the club know he'd like to go.

"He's played very well for Walsall over the years and he's definitely earned his crust. He's proved his worth in League One.

"But it's got to be the right circumstances because he's got a little boy, he's a family man now and has to look after them."

The Saddlers are expected to confirm whether they will accept Deeney's transfer request today, with Watford likely to return with a fifth bid imminently.

Gilmartin knows what life is like under Hornets boss Malky Mackay and reckons Deeney would profit from playing under the Scot.

The 23-year-old said: "Troy would benefit from the step up. He's big, strong, works hard and his workrate on the training ground is fantastic.

"I've known Troy since the first day he came to Walsall and he works hard. Before he was a footballer he was a bricklayer, so he knows how hard life can be.

"I don't want to take anything away from Walsall - because they are very professional too - but he would definitely benefit from being at Watford. He's a friend of mine and it would be a good move for him.

"He has enjoyed it at Walsall but when a club are determined to get you, like Watford were with me, it's a nice feeling."