WATFORD goalkeeper Richard Lee revealed he owes a huge debt of gratitude to Blackburn Rovers.

The 24-year-old spent last season on loan at Ewood Park, and although he returned to Vicarage Road to play second fiddle to Ben Foster this season, he said his career developed in leaps and bounds during his stay in East Lancashire.

"I had a great time," he said. "I'd been at Watford since I was 10 years-old and to move away was a big thing.

"It was strange because I'd gone from playing almost every game for Watford to being third choice at Blackburn.

"But I enjoyed the training and I learned a lot from Kevin Hitchcock.

"He's a very good coach and he helped me a lot.

"And it was great to work with someone like Brad (Friedel), he's not just a great keeper but he's a great person.

"It was a great experience."

Lee has only played in nine matches for the Hornets this season including the Carling Cup win over Accrington Stanley and Watford's only win in the Premiership so far against Middlesborough.

He added: "I still follow Rovers' results."