Watford defender Cathcart is still getting his kicks with Northern Ireland

Watford’s Craig Cathcart says that his international exploits are providing him with an extra spring in his step this season.

The 28-year-old was part of Northern Ireland squad that reached the last 16 at Euro 2016 in their first-ever appearance at the European Championships but due to a host of injuries, Cathcart didn’t pull on a green and white shirt again until Michael O’Neill’s men beat Norway 2-0 in a World Cup Qualifier at Windsor Park on March 26.

The Hornets defender, who has been capped 33 times, says that he still gets a major buzz when he casts his mind back to Northern Ireland’s French adventure and while he is hoping for a positive end to season at Vicarage Road, Cathcart is also aiming for more moments to savour with his country.

“I think Northern Ireland was at a standstill for the whole tournament,” said the Watford man.

“I don’t know who was working because it felt like most of the country were at the tournament. The fans were incredible.

“You always want to test yourself against the top players and I certainly had the opportunity to do that. To be the first Northern Ireland team to win a game at the Euros; it was an incredible feeling and something I’ll never forget.

“It (Euro 2016) definitely has (made me hungrier). I think with the group of players we’ve got now; if we can do it for the Euros, I’m sure we can pull together and do it again for the World Cup.

“We’ve started quite well in World Cup qualifying as well, so hopefully there’s potential for more achievements in the future.”