Another runout for Young Lion Loach

Watford`s rookie stopper Scott Loach "wasn`t expecting to play at all" for the England U21s but was granted another 12 minutes on the international scene by Stuart Pearce in the impressive 5-0 win over Norway.

Despite suggesting "it would be nice to get the nod", the Hornets stopper had originally stated he was "just looking forward to going away and training with them all…to learn from them" so more quality pitch time - to add to his 7 minutes against Equador last month - was a welcome bonus.

Loachy replaced Man City`s Joe Hart after 78 minutes and will now, no doubt, have a taste for Young Lions duty, with a run out against France high up the wish list for Tuesday night.

Scott told the official Hornets site "I think the international experience can only make me sharper and better, a lot of lads would take 10 days with England than a week off, and I'll be working with top class players and goalkeepers.'

The latest 17-man squad is, as Loach points out, "a stronger squad this time…with lots of Premiership experience…" with the likes of Milner, Mancienne, Derbyshire, Huddlestone, Onouha, O`Hara and er, Frazier Campbell all coming into the prime alongside former Hornets loanee, Adam Johnson.

And let`s not forget the withdrawals of Walcott, Micah Richards and Gabby Agbonlahor (another to have graced the grass at Vicarage Road for the Golden Boys)…

So, it will be tough for Scott to get the nod for Euro`s in Sweden this summer with the likes of Hart and the injured pair of Tom Heaton and Joe Lewis in the reckoning but boy, what an opportunity.

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