Born in Falkirk, Stirlingshire, McLaren was Scotland's goalkeeper in their first ever schools international match, against England.
[2] During his senior career, McLaren played in Scottish football for Bonnybridge Heatherbell and Stenhousemuir, initially in the Central League.
He played for them for five seasons, before spending a further six at fellow Football League club Leicester City.
Prior to McLaren's arrival, Watford's best finish in the division was sixth place.
By contrast, during McLaren's five full seasons at the club, Watford finished fourth three times, fifth once and sixth once.