Romaine Sawyers is relishing Saturday's pre-season friendly with Premier League side Southampton.

Brentford take on the Saints in their anti-penultimate friendly of the campaign with games against MK Dons and Celta Vigo awaiting before the season opener at Sheffield United.

And the Saint Kitts and Nevis international believes it will test the Bees squad as players, people and characters.

Sawyers said: “I think everyone growing up wanting to play Premier League teams and playing in the Premier League.

“Playing that level of opposition is a good thing to test yourself where you are in pre-season and as a person and character against a top league in the world.

“It gives us a chance to show what we're about with the DNA and philosophy of the club.”

Romaine Sawyers

Profits from the game are going to support the victims of the Grenfell fire disaster that took place last month and Sawyers knows how much Brentford prides itself on being a community club.

He said: “It's massive with our roles and responsibility. Our platform as a professional football club and this is another example of the people working at the club and shows they're in touch with the local community. I don't think the club's DNA would allow them to do that.”

Sawyers has been looking to find ways to help and has made donations to aid those affected by the disaster.

He explained: “I've looked to find ways to help. I see a lot through Twitter. I've got a friend who's done a charity match to donate and I'll make sure I do.

“I might not do it on a big scale but I prefer to do it quieter and in the background. If people know I do it then so be it but, if not, I know what I've done.”