Troy Deeney took a break from Watford’s promotion push to visit a teenage fan hospitalised after having a stroke.

The Hornets captain dropped in to the children’s ward ar Watford General Hospital to chat to 14-year-old Harrison Andrews who suffered a stroke three weeks ago.

Mr Deeney said: “As a professional footballer you sometimes get detached from reality, and visiting Harrison definitely brought me back down to earth.

“On behalf of the whole squad, we wish Harrison all the best in his recovery and hope to see him back at Vicarage Road very soon.”

The parents of the brave Watford fan, from Bricket Wood, said Harrison was thrilled to meet his hero.

Harrison’s mum and dad, Danielle Andrews and Paul Castle, said: “We’d just like to thank Watford FC for all they’ve done for us whilst our son has been in hospital. “Words can’t explain how much Troy’s visit meant to Harrison.

“We’d also like to say a huge thank you to all the staff at Watford Hospital for the support they’ve given to Harrison at this difficult time.”

Harrison will be moving to a specialist rehabilitation centre where he will receive ongoing treatment.

Watford General Hospital admits nearly 900 patients who have had strokes each year. Most people affected are over 65, but it can affect any age.

Dr Mike van der Watt, West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust’s Medical Director, said: “Strokes are associated with older people but can happen to anyone at any time, including teenagers, children, infants and unborn babies.

“Harrison has been extremely brave and we wish him well in his recovery.

“On behalf of our hospitals, I’d like to say a huge thank you to Troy for taking the time out to come and see Harrison.

“Visits like these make a real difference and really give our young patients something positive to focus on.”

The main symptoms of stroke can be remembered with the word FAST: Face-Arms-Speech-Time.

Face – the face may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile or their mouth or eye may have dropped;

Arms – the person with suspected stroke may not be able to lift one or both arms and keep them there because of arm weakness or numbness;

Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake;

Time – it is time to dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms.

If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, phone 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.