David Button is wary of the threat Jack Bonham poses to his role as Brentford’s first-choice goalkeeper.
The 27-year-old has been an ever-present for the previous two league seasons, with Bonham only getting a run out in the FA Cup loss to Brighton in January 2015 and the Capital One Cup debacle at home to Oxford in August last year.
Despite Button firmly having number one status in the eyes of supporters, he knows he must continue to perform with Bonham bearing down on him.
He said: “If you saw him in training, you'd see he puts me under a lot of pressure. He's a fantastic talent.
“He's been unlucky getting thrown in at random times without having played a game – it's very difficult.
“He's very talented and he will do very well when he gets a run which I'm lucky enough to have had. He needs his break now to play games as he's very talented.”
Bonham’s professional career has been difficult so far. He made an unexpected debut for Watford against Leeds on the final day of the 2013 season after Manuel Almunia and Jonathan Bond suffered injuries.
He joined Brentford that summer and made his debut at Derby in front of a makeshift defence as the Bees were beaten 5-0 in the League Cup.
His league debut for the west Londoners came at Bradford after Button was sent off, conceding four in a 4-1 loss.
Bonham, who had impressed against Brighton in the FA Cup when he had the Bees’ first choice defence in front of him, then featured against Oxford last season playing in an entirely changed side.
He had a nightmare in goal, and was at fault for at least two of the goals, but Button, who understands what it is like to be a number two goalkeeper, believes, if Bonham in regular circumstances, he will acquit himself well.
He added: “It's really difficult (being the substitute goalkeeper). A big part of goalkeeping is being mentally ready and knowing in the build up that you're playing.
“I've come off the bench once and it's not nice. I didn't like it at all. It's really tough to get into the game and get your feel for everything.
“They're tough situations which he's dealt with. Once he's playing he'll show everyone what he can do.
“I'm sure every game he is ready to come on but it hasn't happened recently. It's a big mental thing but there's no denying that it's difficult.”
