YESTERDAY (Thursday) saw Watford's npower Championship fixtures for the coming 2010/11 released and Watford 'keeper Scott Loach took time out of his close-season training to share his thoughts on the outcomes with www.watfordfc.com.

The Hornets kick off their campaign with a game against Championship newcomers Norwich City, a match which Loach said will be a good challenge for the Golden Boys.

"I think it's a good test of your character to be away from home on the opening day of the season" he said.

"We've got to make sure we are ready for it, especially as Norwich will be looking to impress as they got promoted as champions of League One last season.

"Coventry at home in the second week will also be interesting" continued the stopper.

"It will create a good atmosphere with a former manager coming back to Vicarage Road, especially considering the way we finished against Coventry with a 4-0 win over them on the final day last season.

"I'm sure they won't want to be reminded of that but we will want to make sure that we do the job in hand and get our home form off to a good start."

The Nottingham-born player is an Ipswich Town fan and is relishing the Christmas encounter with the Tractor Boys.

"As an Ipswich fan I don't mind the Boxing Day fixture at all, I'll take that!

"But whether you are away or home on Boxing Day, you are well into the season by then and we will be in full-flow by that time so it won't affect the lads.

"It's a nice ground to go to and a good pitch as well. We'll just take it as it comes.

"It's nice to be at home on New Year's Day" said Loach, "especially against a big side with a big following like Portsmouth so it will be a great atmosphere then I'm sure."

The England U21 goalkeeper has also been keeping close tabs on this summers' World Cup in South Africa, admitting that he is 'hooked' on the tournament.

"I've watched every game bar one, so I'm really keeping tabs on it this year.

"I'm hooked on it! It's not been the most exciting football yet but I've been watching the goalkeeping side of the matches especially and comparing them to where I am at the moment.

"I'm watching it from a professional point of view rather than just following England for entertainment value.

"I think there's a great standard of goalkeeping on show there" continued Loach, who empathises with England stopper Robert Green after his mistake in between the sticks in the Three Lions' opening game last Saturday.

Loach is keeping a close eye on proceedings at the World Cup in South Africa

"We've all been there. It's something that happens when you are a goalie.

"Unfortunately I did a similar thing in the finals of the U21 Euro championships last year against Germany.

"His was on a bigger scale but mistakes happen anywhere in this game.

"I personally believe he is a great goalkeeper and should stay in the number one shirt, he's the one who's been the best out of the three for England this year and I think he deserves to continue to play."

The 'Jabulani' World Cup ball has been the talk of the tournament in South Africa and Loach, who has used the ball before, commented that it can definitely affect play.

"I've played with that particular ball before, in the U21 tournament last year and the qualifiers, and it's true that they do move around in a different way.

"It's obviously always been difficult to play with - it's more of a plastic coating similar to the ball they use in the Champions League but this one only has three panels so it moves a lot more.

"But you get a good month in the build up to get used to it so you know what they are like. I don't think you can blame the ball, it doesn't make it any easier but it's something you just have to deal with."

BUY TICKETS ONLINE - CLICK BELOW