Alan McCormack believes Lee Carsley has given him a new lease of life in the Brentford midfield.
The Irishman missed most of last season with injury and started the year at right back under Marinus Dijkhuizen.
Since the Dutchman's sacking, McCormack has been playing in a box-to-box role and has enjoyed working under Carsley, whose light-hearted but serious demeanour has resonated with him.
The midfielder explained: “He's pushing me to get goals and assists. The way he relaxes everyone and makes me feel and play. You just want to go out and enjoy it.
“I don't mean this in a bad way to Marinus but certain managers have a knack of making people much more relaxed and simplified, while demanding us at the same time. I feel I've dropped five or six years and have got a new lease of life.”
Carsley, as a player, knew his strengths and weaknesses and extracted the most from his career and it is something he has brought into the Brentford dressing room.
McCormack added: “He's been in the dressing room at a high level and knows the pressure. He knows what you need to do on the pitch.
“You can't take that away from him. If he speaks you've got to listen as he's been there. He's played with great players, a full international, and played in the World Cup. He likes a bit of a laugh which we like as well.”
He added: “He knew what he was good at and he did at. What he was weak at he didn't try to do too often and that's what he's installing on us here in playing to our strengths.
“I think we've turned a corner with some good performances. We'll move on to Nottingham Forest.”
McCormack has joined growing calls from within the playing squad who would love to see Carsley stay on at the club.
He added: “If you ask any player that's here, even the lads not in the team, (they would like him to stay).
“He makes everyone enjoy themselves. He makes training enjoyable, but hard and demanding at the same time.
“When you take those three aspects into training the club becomes a better place. We'd love to see him stay.”
