Dean Smith has told striker Scott Hogan to carry on grumping if it's an outlet for his determination to do better.

Brentford's top scorer isn't shy of showing his frustrations on the pitch if things aren't going his way, which has divided fans between those who say it cannot help team-mates' confidence, and those who would rather see players show they care.

But as far as manager Smith is concerned, Hogan can be as surly as he likes if he keeps up the form which has seen him score 18 goals in just 29 games for the club.

All smiles here: Hogan celebrates another goal

Smith said: “I enjoy working with Scott. I think a few of the lads would call him grumpy, but I don't mind that as he just wants to get better and wants the team around him to get better too. I'm all for people having a bit of a grump as long as they're doing the right things themsleves.

“Scott's got great movement and a great mentality, and I love the way he's come back from two big injuries like that. He studied the game over the 18 months he was out, looking at what could make him better, and he's putting that into practice now.

“I remember seeing him play in League One for Rochdale, and he was making good runs then, but he's more intelligent now and stronger. He thinks about the game more and has developed as a player here.”

Developed: Smith believes Hogan has improved since his Rochdale days