Craig Cathcart draws comparisons between Quique Flores, Michael O'Neill

Watford and Northern Ireland defender Craig Cathcart has drawn comparisons between club manager Quique Flores and national team boss Michael O'Neill.

Both teams have impressed recently, with Watford sitting 11 points clear of the relegation zone and on course to avoid the drop for the first time in the Premier League era, while Northern Ireland are gearing up for their first appearance at a major international tournament for 30 years.

Cathcart believes that the success can be put down to the tactical nous of both managers as he looks to establish himself as a regular starter on the international stage.

"They are actually pretty similar in the way they set up," the 27-year-old told reporters.

"They're both tactically very good. Every game we go into for Watford and Northern Ireland we have a game plan and we know all about the other team, what their strengths are, who their key players are. In that sense they are very similar.

"They are similar characters, both very approachable; you can speak to them and they are quite relaxed around the training pitch. They compare in many ways, a lot of them are positive things."

Northern Ireland will face Wales and Slovenia over the international break.