DESPITE having fallen at the final hurdle in Malmo last night, Scott Loach's international experiences this summer will have put him in great stead for the future.

Watford boss Malky Mackay said that he was very pleased with his 'keeper's achievements in the Euro 2009 tournament.

"The fact that he's had the experience being away with England at international level and being involved in an international football tournament at such a high level is great for him and it can't be bad for Watford either."

As the squad report for the first day back at work tomorrow (Wednesday), Mackay has given Loach a well-earned break for a few weeks.

"We'll give him a little break before he comes back so he will get a proper rest before he's needed to play for us in the late pre-season.

"Scott will meet with our conditioning coach, but it's great that he's been ticking over with his fitness with all the England training."

Loach instructs his teammates during the final

While out in Sweden completing his coaching course, the new gaffer managed to squeeze in a visit to check up on his young goalie.

"I watched the England vs Spain match when I was over in Sweden doing my coaching work.

"Me and Scott had a chat beforehand, it was good to touch base with him and to see how he was doing.

"And I know the England people were very happy with how he got on over there."

England U21 manager Stuart Pearce said Loach's selection ahead of Peterborough United's Joe Lewis was part of his plans for the years to come, indicating that Watford's stopper will hopefully be making more appearances in an England jersey.

Scott with fellow England goalkeeper Joe Lewis

"The pair of them [Scott Loach and Joe Lewis] have showed fantastic qualities, they played the full season for their clubs, they've matched each other on many, many things" Pearce told Sky Sports News.

"Age-wise he [Loach] can go again for the next two years and this experience will stand him in good stead."

The young goalkeeper brings a wealth of international training and match experience back from Sweden and no doubt will have many stories to tell his Watford teammates when he returns to London Colney.

But for now, the 21-year-old can relax and recuperate for a few days in preparation for what looks to be a very successful second season for him in the first team set-up.

Don't forget to watch our FREE video interview with the new manager on the Freeview Video Player on the hompage. 

Mackay talks exclusively to www.watfordfc.com about his new signing Scott Severin, as well as sharing his opinons on Watford's internationals and what the first day back to work has in store for the Hornets.

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