Brentford captain Harlee Dean revelled in the Bees' 2-0 west London derby victory over QPR at Loftus Road.

Man of the match Josh Clarke opened the scoring in the first half as his shot squeezed under Rangers stopper Alex Smithies.

And Romaine Sawyers silenced his critics, after he was jeered off against Barnsley last week, with a fabulous finish with 16 minutes of normal time remaining.

Speaking after the game, Dean said: “I enjoyed that. It was a good performance and a good win – there wasn't much more to ask for.

“Clarkey has been doing really well and I'm a big fan of his. He's a young lad and played really well tonight.

“Romaine silenced all the unnecessary critics from last week and shows you how long a week he is in football.”

Josh Clarke scores his side's first goal past Alex Smithies

Clarke caught the eye at Loftus Road with a fine performance and the skipper was delighted to see it and hopes to see that level now maintained.

He explained: “Younger players have done more than that and his desire is to be better than he is. He's done well tonight but now he's got to carry on and keep playing well every game.”

Dean is a fiercely loyal team-mate and saw no need for Sawyers to be jeered last week but now hopes those boo boys support the midfielder now.

He added: “I think there was no need for it last week. He tries his hardest every game. He's one of the most intelligent footballers I've probably played with.

“He knows the game in and out, knows everybody's jobs and is someone who loves football. He's been one of our standout performers. Hopefully they'll start getting on his side.”

Pure joy: Romaine Sawyers

Aside from the boo boys, Dean was full of praise for the Brentford fans who have travelled the length and breadth of the country to support their team.

He stated: “The fans are brilliant and they follow us all over the country. It's a Friday night on telly and it's easier to stay in.

“We thank them for coming out. There's a certain few who are fickle and as soon as we cut that out and everyone carries on in the same direction the better this club will be.”

Dean was restored to the side after being left out against Barnsley last weekend following his suspension for the draw at Derby but he had full respect for Dean Smith's decision.

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He said: “Nobody likes to miss matches and I respect the gaffer's decision. The boys did well against Derby and I wouldn't want to be taken out for no reason.

“I hope tonight's performance shows how important I am and maybe it'll be harder next time to leave me out.”

Dean is on the verge of becoming a father for the first time and revealed that Simon Royce had his mobile in his pocket just in case his partner went into labour.

But that didn't stop the popular goalkeeper coach from pulling a prank on the Brentford captain.

He revealed: “Roycey had it in his pocket. With two minutes to go he was trying to make a joke and pretend it was happening.

“I said you shouldn't do that as I'd run straight off the pitch. It's close and I'm excited.

“I don't know what would have happened if I'd got the call at 60 minutes in but I'm sure I'd have been off the pitch and straight down to hospital. Family comes first.”