Malky Mackay believes the absence of Don Cowie for the next month is a big blow for Watford but claims fellow Scot Stephen McGinn is capable of filling the void.

Cowie, who Mackay has described as the “ultimate team player”, suffered medial knee ligament damage against Portsmouth and is expected to be out for four to six weeks.

McGinn replaced Cowie at Fratton Park and followed his first goal for the Hornets on Saturday with another against Ipswich Town on Tuesday night.

The 21-year-old had an outstanding pre-season and started the Championship campaign strongly before losing his place following the arrival of Birmingham City loanee Jordon Mutch.

Watford manager Mackay said: “Don is someone who has been very consistent this season and is someone who has been really important to the team. Everyone at the club was delighted when he received his Scotland recall because it was thoroughly deserved.

“But one player coming out means someone else has the chance to go in and Stephen McGinn is someone who has been unlucky not to start more games this season.

“Any time Stephen has come in he has been fantastic and he started the season very well. He went away on international duty, did well for Scotland Under-21s and has come back and scored two goals in his last two games.

“I have been impressing on him to get into the box and stamp his authority on games so I am delighted he has risen to the challenge.”

As long as there are no fresh injuries in training today (Friday), Cowie should be the only absentee for Watford when they take on Scunthorpe United tomorrow (Saturday).

Mackay confirmed: “We had some bumps and bruises from Tuesday night but everyone will be fit and available for Saturday, except for Don.”

Scunthorpe, who are managed by their former defender and coach Ian Baraclough after Nigel Adkins joined Southampton, are currently in 18th place.

The 3-2 victory over Preston North End on Tuesday was the Iron’s first win in seven matches but Mackay insists Watford will not be taking their opponents lightly.

Mackay said: “I know Ian Baraclough well and I am delighted he got the job – Ian knows the club well. It is one of the few times a manager has left the club when he has not been sacked or left the club in disarray. Nigel Adkins did very well at Scunthorpe and earned himself a move, so to speak, to Southampton.

“So Ian has the chance to go in with a stable group of players, with a squad that has supposedly been overachieving for a couple of years in our division.

“I know how tough a game this is going to be and nobody at this club will be getting carried away. We will be making it a tough day for Scunthorpe.”

The visitors will be without centre back Rob Jones due to a broken hand and goalkeeper Joe Murphy is doubtful with a groin problem.

West Ham United youngster Freddy Sears is expected to start as part of a front three, but fellow loanee Kevin McDonald has returned to Burnley for treatment on a back injury.

Scunthorpe have only beaten Watford once in their last 11 meetings but the Iron have won three of their six away games this season.