Sean Dyche described Lloyd Doyley as “the glue which holds Watford together” after the defender became just the 12th player in the club’s history to make 350 appearances.

Doyley made his professional debut in September 2001 as an 18-year-old after progressing through the club's academy.

Saturday's 4-2 victory over Bradford was his 318th start and 350th appearance in total.

Watford manager Dyche played alongside Doyley for three years, coached the defender and is now his manager.

“I played with him when he was a young man and now I am so old I have to keep reminding him that it was me who taught him everything he knows,” Dyche joked.

“People like Lloyd are the glue that hold this club together. He is a fantastic person who does a great job for us.

“Lloyd and John Eustace were out of our side for a while which is a tremendous advert for some of our younger players because these are proper people, these are real solid and outstanding professionals.

“We have young players who are developing into that and these people send out brilliant signals to our young players. None more so than Lloyd.

“I am delighted he made his 350th appearance but he didn't score so I need to have a word with him.”