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 him booked after Edo Kayembe's 57th-minute penalty went in to cancel out Zak Swanson's early opener.
He said: "To hear that John has been commenting on my players is disappointing.
"There was a group of players who kept their head during the second half and that was radiated from our bench. And there was a group that lost theirs, which was radiated from their bench.
"I'm disappointed with John's comments because his own behaviour was ultimately what cost his team in the second half.
"I won't aim anything at the referee - it was a difficult game to manage."
Cleverley made no attempt however to excuse Baah, who had been booked in the first half for a challenge on Matt Ritchie.
Baah's post-match antics angered Pompey players as well as supporters, with substitute Terry Devlin confronting him before Cleverley ushered him away.
Cleverley added: "I will deal with KB internally. You want to win with humility and dignity. I want all my players to be under the microscope at high levels and KB needs to get use to that sort of scrutiny. He will come under abuse at times and has to deal with it better.
"Now he is earning his lesson the hard way. We have to say he deserved it. You are told as players and coaches you can't goad supporters because of the hostile environment that can cause."
Additional reporting: PA
