Watford defender Adrian Mariappa was full of praise for Heurelho Gomes after their FA Cup quarterfinal win against Crystal Palace.

Mariappa was full of praise for goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, whose procession around Vicarage Road at the end of the game suggested he had featured in a Hornets' home match for the last time.

The defender described him as both "exemplary" and "hugely popular" and said he did not want him to leave just yet.

He said: "He's hugely popular in the dressing room and everyone's got a tremendous amount of respect for him. He's loved by everyone from the club to the fans right through. I'm hoping it's not his last game here.

"We're always confident in him no matter what game he's playing in. I don't think anyone has ever doubted his ability or him as a professional, he is an exemplary professional.

"Day-to-day in training he's unbelievable and obviously we've got really good goalkeepers this year and it shows how Ben Foster's been playing to keep Gomey out of the team."