DeMerit feared for career

Watford captain Jay DeMerit has revealed there were fears he may never play again due to a serious eye injury.

The American centre-half required surgery after suffering an infection to his cornea in September but he has made a remarkable recovery and was back in the starting line-up for Saturday's defeat by Derby.

"There were concerns immediately I would have permanent blurred vision - which I would have if I hadn't had the transplant surgery," DeMerit said. "I was fortunate to have the best surgeons to do those types of surgeries and to make sure they go to plan."

He added: "Of course it's always a risk to go into surgery but if I was going to play again I had to take those risks so I was more than happy to do so."