Watford boss Tom Cleverley heaps praise on 'animal' Rocco Vata

Watford boss Tom Cleverely described Republic of Ireland underage international Rocco Vata as "an animal around the box" after the teenager's dramatic late winner against Portsmouth on St Stephen's Day.

Vata, 19, signed for the Hornets last summer having come through the ranks at Celtic.

He was introduced off the bench at half-time during Watford's fiery Championship clash with Pompey, and prodded home the crucial goal in the 95th minute.

That's two goals and two assists for the attacking wideman in his last four games, with Cleverly very impressed with what he's seen.

"I said it about (Kwadwo) Baah earlier in the season, to not expect too much, too soon, from one of our highly talented youngsters, and the same goes with Rocco," the ex-Manchester United midfielder told Watford's club website.

"But we have an exciting prospect on our hands and he's really improving.

"He is desperate to score goals. He's an animal in and around the box and it’s no fluke he’s got two big goals for us."

Glasgow-born Vata has represented Ireland up to Under-21 level. He is eligible to represent Scotland, his father's native Albania, and also Montenegro, though his current form might encourage Heimir Hallgrimsson to fast-track his progress to the senior setup ahead of March's Nations League promotion/relegation clash against Bulgaria.

Vata's stoppage-time effort led to heated exchanges at the final whistle when Baah appeared to goad the Portsmouth fans with celebratory gestures.

Pompey manager Mousinho was unimpressed, saying: "We will never ever do that. If one of my players did that they would be in serious danger of never playing for the club again."

Those remarks annoyed Cleverley, who had not been happy with Mousinho's touchline behaviour which saw