Watford head coach Ed Still has described Edoardo Bove's return to action after 13 months out as "classy".
He signed for the Hornets last month, and came on as an 86th minutes substitute in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Preston North end.
"He got a massive round of applause back in the dressing-room because everyone appreciates what he's been through," Still told BBC Radio Three Counties.
"Hats off to him because of what's he's been through and what he's had to deal with away from the pitch, and away from football. To come back in the frame of mind he's come back in is classy".
Bove collapsed on the pitch two years ago during a loan spell with Italian club Fiorentina and was taken to intensive care. He was later fitted with a cardiac defibrillator, and had not played a senior game until Saturday.
The former Italy Under-21 international gives newly-arrived Still another option as he looks to keep Watford in the hunt for the play-offs.
They welcome sixth-placed Derby County in a pivotal game on Saturday, and Still is impressed with the squad he's inherited.
"I need 14 spots in the starting line-up. We'll see. Those who are picked to start next week will have deserved it throughout the week," he added.