Watford have confirmed the signing of Blackpool defender Craig Cathcart on a two-year contract.

The Watford Observer reported yesterday that the Hornets would sign the player early this week and the move was confirmed this morning.

Cathcart played 12 times for the Golden Boys under Malky Mackay during a loan spell in 2009 before it was ended prematurely, with the club claiming it was due to a knee injury.

The 25-year-old joined Blackpool the following summer, soon after their promotion to the Premier League, for a reported £350,000 and has remained there since, making 117 appearances during his four-year stay.

Cathcart, who has 18 Northern Ireland caps and can play at centre half and right back, was out of contract this summer.