Rob Kiernan is hoping to go out on loan again so he can return to pre-season in the summer ready to challenge for a first team spot at Watford.

Kiernan’s latest loan deal at Bradford City ended on Monday and the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international says he expects to go back out again in the near future.

Kiernan said: “Hopefully this season will mould me into the player I need to be and next season I can really fight for that place. This season is setting me up for it, getting experience.”

“I haven't spoken to Malky about it yet but it would probably be ideal if I could go out again,” Kiernan continued.

“All I can do is train well and show him what I have learned and how I have improved. It is then up to Malky what he would prefer.”

Kiernan's spell at Bradford was his third loan club since he finished his scholarship two years ago.

The defender, who turned 20 two weeks ago, made two starts and three substitute appearances at Kilmarnock in the second half of the 2009/10 campaign and made three outings for Yeovil Town at the beginning of this season.

Kiernan said: “My spell at Bradford went really well, I got eight games under my belt and played in front of a big crowd at every home game. I improved a lot and learned a lot.

“Obviously I went there and there were a few injuries so was playing and managed to keep my place in the team.

“I went to Yeovil before and we had eight loan players at one stage and only five can be involved, but you get that sometimes.

“Managers bring you in because they like what they see but you might not fit into their team.

“It is difficult and it is frustrating but the loan at Bradford was a good one for me as I was playing and was involved.”

Kiernan was a regular for Watford Reserves during his two-year scholarship but stressed it is crucial for youngsters to play in the Football League.

He said: “I was playing in reserve football, which is good, but when you play in front of a crowd every week and play for three points with other professional players and experienced men, then you learn so much more than when you play reserve football.

“So going out on loan is massive for me and games bring improvements and helps show where you still need to improve.”

Kiernan has been at Watford since he was nine but was a midfielder until a few years ago when Sean Dyche recommended he be switched to centre back – a decision back by the player.

He said: “I prefer to play at centre back. I made the switch two seasons ago so I am a new centre back, so to speak, and I am still learning the position a lot.

“I do prefer it though and I am more suited to it. Now I want to try and make that position my own.”

Kiernan said he tries to learn the position by watching other centre backs and picked out Bolton Wanderers' Gary Cahill as the player he tries to emulate.

Kiernan said: “I watch Premier League football loads and there is obviously the likes of John Terry but I particularly like Gary Cahill at Bolton.

“I like the way he defends and the way he is when on the ball. We are a similar height and now I want to try and get a similar build. He is a player I like a lot.”