Malky Mackay believes Don Cowie has been in the “shade” of Arsenal and Manchester United loanees Henri Lansbury and Tom Cleverley at times this season but praised the Scotland international’s “immense contribution” to Watford.

With Lansbury suspended and Cleverley suffering a season-ending injury against West Bromwich Albion, Cowie stepped up to the plate on Saturday and set up Watford’s crucial winner against fellow strugglers Plymouth Argyle.

Cowie, who joined from Inverness Caledonian Thistle in February 2009, made a great start to his Watford career but he has failed to make the same impact at times this season.

His manager, Malky Mackay, said: “Sometimes Don has been in the shade of Tom Cleverley and Henri Lansbury but the contribution Don makes to this club is immense.

“He is a clever footballer, he is immensely fit and at times his dead balls and quality shines through. I was delighted with him, I thought he was fantastic today [Saturday].”

The 1-0 win over Plymouth was also the first start for fellow Scot Stephen McGinn since he joined from St Mirren in January.

McGinn had made six substitute appearances before the weekend but injury to Cleverley and with Jon Harley and Lansbury missing out through suspension, the 21-year-old played the full 90 minutes against Plymouth.

Mackay said: “It was his first start and he has had to be patient because he is someone who has been brought in and it is different going from the Scottish to the English divisions and it takes time to settle when you go to different divisions and a different style of life, different places and a different style of football. We have tried to bleed him in gently.

“Today he was very comfortable on the ball and calm on the ball at times and it is about constantly learning for him.”