Tony Craig wants to stay and fight for his place at Brentford – despite not kicking a ball in anger for three months.

The experienced centre-back was a mainstay of both the Bees' League One promotion campaigns – the failed one under Uwe Rosler and the successful one under Mark Warburton.

He also started this season as James Tarkowski's regular partner at the back but has gradually been edged out by Harlee Dean, making only three appearances since the turn of the year.

The loan signing of Liam Moore pushed him further down the Griffin Park pecking order, while the recall of the younger Jack O'Connell from Rochdale perhaps signalled future intentions.

Leader of the pack: Craig as Brentford skipper

But the 30 year old, who only signed a new two-and-a-half year deal with the Bees six months ago, has no intention of moving on.

He said: “I've still go two years left here and I want to stay. Of course I'm disappointed I haven't played more, but there will be a new gaffer coming in and we need to concentrate of that first.”

Although he didn't make it off the bench in either leg, Craig admits Brentford can have few complaints about being knocked out of the Championship play-offs by Middlesbrough.

He Bees travelled to Teesside full of hope despite a 2-1 deficit from the first leg, but their dreams were shattered with a 3-0 second leg defeat at the Riverside.

Craig added: “Of course we're very disappointed, but you have to give Middlesbrough credit, they were the better side over the two legs. They were well organised and disciplined.

“We can hold our heads high those, it's been a great effort by everyone – we just didn't have enough to get over the line in the end.”

Craig's comments come the day after fellow defender Dean admitted he fears for his Brentford future and has demanded to know where he stands.

It also follows GetWestLondon's revelation that the Bees' players should all find out if they have a future at the club this week.