Cathcart not opposed to position switch at Watford

Defender Craig Cathcart may be out of Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifier this weekend through injury, but a change of position could be on the horizon for the Watford man.

The 27-year-old missed the Hornets’ loss to Arsenal on Saturday because a groin strain, and has not travelled with the Northern Ireland squad to the Czech Republic for their game on Sunday.

Cathcart, who made 30 appearances for Watford last season, signed a new four-year deal at Vicarage Road in the summer.

But speaking to the club website, Cathcart admits he wouldn’t be opposed to a spell between the sticks.

“I think I’ve got it in my genes, my Dad was a goalkeeper so I think I would be alright at it,” he said, playing ‘Inside Line’ with teammate Rene Gilmartin.

“In the Premier League, you need to be more mobile and Rene weighs about 18 stone, but he still does really well.”

(Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

Cathcart joined Watford permanently in the summer of 2015, having made 12 loan appearances for the club in 2009 while at Manchester United.

But it is a former Blackpool teammate who Cathcart cites as the most skilful set-piece expert he’s faced.

“Charlie Adam is the best set piece taker I’ve played against, that’s an easy one,” he said. “He has a very good left foot and shoots from the half-way line a lot.

“But his set-piece delivery is unbelievable.”