Brentford boss Dean Smith is excited about the prospect of facing former club Walsall in the FA Cup first round next month - but will not be phased by any stick from Saddlers fans.

Walsall's second round replay win over Chesterfield on Tuesday earned a third round trip to Griffin Park for the Saddlers in early January.

The tie will come barely a month after Smith left the Bescot Stadium after four years in the hot seat there to take over at Brentford , leaving a bitter taste in the mouth of some Walsall fans.

Saddler sore: Some Walsall fans have not forgiven Smith for leaving

Smith said: “I knew it had to be Walsall. I was at a conference at Goodwood when the draw was made so I didn't see it live, but I knew by the amount of messages on my phone when I checked it who we must have drawn.

“I'm excited about it, although under normal circumstances it wouldn't have been a very appealing draw for either side.

“I left on good terms with everyone at Walsall. There will always be a few who won't like what happened, but that's football, and you can't help that.”