Malky Mackay has described having seven of his last starting XI away on international duty as “nice problems to have”.

Following the 2-0 victory over Preston North End almost a fortnight ago, Scott Loach, Tom Cleverley and Henri Lansbury linked up with England Under-21s, while Lee Hodson and Craig Cathcart were with their Northern Irish counterparts. The Hornets also had two players on senior international duty in Don Cowie (Scotland) and Heidar Helguson (Iceland).

“It brings its own problems, but its nice problems to have when you’ve got seven of your starting XI on international duty,” the Watford boss said today.

“I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m a proud Scot and the games that I did get for my country, it was the best thing in my career. And I do think that these boys think the same.

“The ones that have had the international recognition here, they’re all want to be the best they can and get international caps and the next thing is get international caps at full level, but it’s great for the club and great for the players.”

Watford’s connection with Stuart Pearce’s Under-21 set-up is becoming increasingly strong because as well as the current trio, former loanees Jack Cork and Danny Rose were in the squad for the Euro 2011 qualifiers against Portugal and Lithuania and the squad once again trained at London Colney.

“Myself and Sean (Dyche) were standing there with Stuart Pearce and having a chat, and five of them were coming off the bus and coming over and saying ‘hello, how are you getting on?’,” Mackay reflected with a smile.

“Five of the squad have actually been at this club in the last 18 months and it’s quite incredible but great as well because three Watford players are in the top 18 youths in this country at Under-21 level.

“But its great testament to the boys for the character they’ve shown and the discipline in their own career to get through to that international stage, playing alongside guys that are regulars in Premiership teams.”