Brentford head coach Dean Smith believes that the Bees are emerging as a side that can challenge at the top of the Championship next season.

The west Londoners are one of the youngest sides in the division, alongside Barnsley, but their form in recent weeks has been incredible, with Bristol City, Leeds United and Derby County all outclassed at Griffin Park since the international break.

There is a growing feeling at Griffin Park that Brentford have a side capable of challenging at the top of the division next season and Smith knows his side have improved as the season has gone on.

He said: “It’s a very tough league to get out of – you only have to look at some of the teams who won’t go up this season.

“We’re a young group, I think were emerging. We’ve got John Egan on the bench – he’s not played for the last five games and he’s pushing for player of season. It shows the squad’s got better.”

He added: “Yoann Barbet is a top player – he’s been unfortunate because I’ve got four very good centre-backs – he’s come in and given us more balance.”

Brentford's improvement has been characterised by the form of Romaine Sawyers who was taken off against Derby to a standing ovation.

Smith said: “It’s pleasing – his game management was very good and he’s starting to show his class in this league.”