Vernazza is determined to succeed

Watford midfielder Paolo Vernazza today revealed how being stabbed by an intruder at his Islington home last month has made him even more determined to make the most of his career.

Vernazza was back in action on Saturday in the 3-0 win over Barnsley - his first home game since the incident which also left close friend and former Arsenal team-mate Andrew Douglas fighting for his life.

"I've realised how valuable life is now and I want to grasp the opportunity I have in football and do the best I can," he said.

"Because of the situation with my friend I didn't even think about my football. That wasn't the important thing for me. Andrew was close to dying.

"Football went out of the window because life's much more important."