Dean Smith is hoping Alan Judge can return to Brentford's first team before the end of the season but is not counting his chickens beforehand.
The Irishman signed a new two year deal with the Bees on Wednesday and is on his way back to fitness after a horrific double leg break, sustained nearly 12 months ago from a horror tackle from Ipswich's Luke Hyam.
Judge has one more scan to get through before he can step up his recovery but Smith is delighted to have the Irishman signed on for the next two years.
He said: “I'm hopeful (he can return this season) but I don't want to put pressure on the lad or time constraints. It's wonderful news for the club, staff, players and supporters.
“He's epitomised what the club is about. He helped get the club promoted, have a great first season and he was the standout in the second season which earned him recognition from his peers and managers. We'll bear the fruits of that when he returns to his form.”
Smith added: “He's a terrific player. We all know he's had a terrible injury and he's coming through it.
“He's nearly there, he's flying into a few challenges. He's got one scan left and then we can take the reins off him.”
Despite not playing this season, Judge has the most assists in the Championship since August 2014.
