Gianfranco Zola claims whichever club sign Stephen McGinn on loan “will not regret the decision” as the midfielder continues to impress his boss.

The Hornets were unable to find McGinn a club before yesterday’s (Thursday’s) loan window closed but Zola is keen for the Scot to secure game time.

McGinn has not played a competitive match since February 2011 due to a serious knee injury but he has been fit for several months and impressed during a midweek friendly.

Zola reiterated yesterday: “Some players will have to go out on loan. One of them is Stephen McGinn. He is doing extremely well in training and during the friendly matches but to keep on progressing, he needs to get out and play.

“Whoever does decide to take Stephen on loan will not regret it as he is a really good player.”

Coventry City had the 23-year-old on trial a couple of weeks ago but opted against signing the midfielder.

Left-back Carl Dickinson returned to Watford this week after his loan spell at Portsmouth was ended prematurely due to suspension.

Dickinson’s one-month stint at Fratton Park was due to end yesterday but the Hornets agreed to recall the defender early as he was suspended and it would enable Pompey to sign another loanee, as there is a restriction on the number of players allowed in their squad.

Zola said: “Carl Dickinson has just come back from a loan move and we have a few injuries so we will see what happens with him.”