Watford have today officially announced the signing of Keith Andrews on a season-long loan from Bolton Wanderers.
The Irish midfielder was loaned out last season to Brighton and Hove Albion, and played a total of 37 times whilst on the south coast. Andrews came close to promotion via the Play Offs last year, but Brighton fell short in the semi finals.
Andrews is best suited to playing in the middle of the park, either as a defensive or holding midfielder, or indeed further up the pitch as a box-to-box style player.
The 33-year-old has 35 caps for the Republic of Ireland, and appeared 37 times while on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion last season.
Having started at Wolverhampton Wanderers where he made just one appearance, Andrews moved to Hull City for a season before his permanent move to MK Dons. It was at MK Dons where Andrews’ stock rose.
His big move to the Premier League came in the summer of 2008, after consistently impressing in the lower leagues. His transfer to Blackburn Rovers cost a reported £1.3million.
Andrews has since played for Ipswich whilst on loan from Rovers, and he went to West Bromwich Albion after a permanent move back to the Premier League was agreed in 2012.
Bolton Wanderers then came in for the Irishman the following summer, but after 29 appearances in the 2012/13 season he moved on loan to Brighton last year, where he spent the entirety of the 2013/14 season.
Andrews played in all three of Ireland`s games at UEFA Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine, and was named FAI Player of the Year in 2012.
Andrews will provide competition for places in the middle of midfield, where currently Hungarian Daniel Tozser is the first choice pick in the holding midfield role.
Watford have confirmed that they are no longer interested in Emmanuel Frimpong, who also plays as a defensive central midfielder.å
It appears that Watford now have ample cover in central midfield, with first teamers Daniel Tozser, Cristian Battocchio, Almen Abdi, Sean Murray, Lewis McGugan all able to play in Andrews’ position. Youngsters Connor Smith and Luke O’Nien also provide cover in the centre of the pitch.
Welcome to Watford FC, Keith Andrews!
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