John Egan felt there were more positives Brentford could take from their 2-2 draw with Southampton on Saturday than negatives.

The Bees had led through Lasse Vibe only for a Charlie Austin brace to put the Saints 2-1 up but Fraser Forster spilled Josh Clarke's cross into his own net to ensure that it finished honours even.

And Egan felt that the Bees could be happy with their work as they prepare for the season opener at Sheffield United.

He said: “It's good to be back at Griffin Park in front of our own fans and getting ready for the new season.

“It was a good test for us today and we were putting it in from the first minute. It was a good test for us.

Lasse Vibe celebrates his goal

“I think we were really good first half. Our intensity levels were really high. They've had a couple of strong seasons.

“We're disappointed with the second half where our intensity levels dropped. If we can keep the intensity levels like the first half then we'll be a hard side to beat.”

Brentford's first half display was excellent and it was 45 minutes that would not have looked out of place in the Premier League.

Egan, who captained the Bees from the start, added: “It's great to come up against Premier League opposition and see where you're really at. I think all the lads did well today.

Ollie Watkins

“We were a bit sloppy at times but there are a lot of positives to take and a few negatives to work on but more positives than negatives.”

Egan though would not be happy after he collided with Romaine Sawyers that led to Austin's equaliser.

At the end of the day though, it is better for those mistakes to happen in pre-season rather than when points are at stake.

He explained: “It was one of those comings together and these things happen. It's good to get them out of the way in pre-season.

“We're trying to clamp down on conceding soft goals and we're doing a lot of work on the training ground.”

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