Brentford under-23s manager Kevin O'Connor has urged his side to impress senior boss Dean Smith with first team opportunities up for grabs.

O'Connor spoke of how Smith is keen to reward youngsters with a chance to shine; but only if they show that they have what it takes.

He said: "The standard of the squad has increased, which is the most important thing.

"The lads have been exposed to the first team in training, with some included in games and friendlies so it's gone really well.

"The quality of the squad is higher so they're getting closer to the first team, and because of the way it is around here the manager sees them a lot more, so if there's an injury or something then our boys get the opportunity.

"The opportunity is there to impress him and if they do that then they'll get a chance."

The Bees face a tough test tomorrow night as they face west London rivals QPR at Griffin Park, and O'Connor says it should be a good experience for his side.

He said: "We had QPR in the League Cup and a few of our boys had the exposure to the big ground and a big club, so we're all looking forward to it.

"It's a local derby, it'll be a hard game and hopefully we'll get some fans down there."