Exclusive – Mackay: Loach turned down Premier League offers

Watford manager Malky Mackay has revealed that young English goalkeeper Scott Loach turned down an offer from a Premier League club to stay and develop in the Championship at Vicarage Road.

The England under-21 international has been in good form for his club of late and has been drafted in to recent senior squads by Fabio Capello when other goalkeepers have pulled out.

Mackay praised the youngster’s form and his level headedness despite his Premier League suitors.

“Scott came to us when he was 17, I was here with him when I was a player, he came from Lincoln and he’s developed under Alec Chamberlain the goalkeeping coach’s tutelage over the last four years and he’s become England’s under-21 goalkeeper.

“I gave him his chance in the Championship, I felt he was ready and he did have the chance to go last January, the transfer bid came in and he had the chance to go, but it wouldn’t have been right for him and thankfully him, his mentors and agent and family felt the same.”

Pressed by Sam Matterface if it was from a Premier League club, Mackay added: “It was yes.”

But the Watford boss believes the decision is now seeing fruition with his potential being reached with the Hornets.

Mackay said: “To go and sit on a bench somewhere wouldn’t do his England international career any good. His international under-21 career would have stalled and he wouldn’t have had the experience he’s getting just now. A hundred games in the Championship later, then you’re more developed and ready to go, so he’s come on a tonne.”