Watford winger Tom Ince thanked head coach Javi Gracia for providing a "breath of fresh air" in his career after scoring his first hat-trick for more than 10 years.
The 33-year-old is one of the most experienced players in a largely youthful squad and has made 14 of his 16 appearances this season since the Spaniard returned to the club for a second spell in charge in October.
Ince's treble against Birmingham City on New Year's Day secured a 3-0 win to push the Hornets up to fourth in the Championship table, just three points adrift of Ipswich Town in second place.