A man for all seasons: Josh Clarke

It's no fluke that Josh Clarke adapted so well to life at left back on Saturday – he's been practising with his weaker foot to make sure he wasn't caught out.

With regular left back Rico Henry ruled out long term after picking up an injury at Middlesbrough, Brentford boss Dean Smith opted for right-footer Clarke rather than B team youngster Ilias Chatzitheodoridis for the win over Millwall.

Despite Clarke being sighted more regularly on the right wing or at right back, he put in an impressive performance against the Lions, but team-mate Romaine Sawyers was not surprised.

“Josh is our utility man, he can play anywhere,” said match-winner Sawyers. “Put him on the pitch and he will do a job for you.

“When he had a little guess that he was going to be playing left back he was been out there practising every day with his left foot.

“He done very well – you'd never guess that wasn't his position if you didn't know – and all credit to him as he keeps working hard and pushing himself.”

Keeper Dan Bentley, who like Sawyers was a hero of the day due to his penalty save, joined in with the praise for Clarke.

“Josh has gone into a position where's he's not natural, done a bit of work there during the week, and gone in and done a more than competent job,” said Bentley.

“He was excellent today both defensively and going forward. He caused them no end of problems in the first half, so all credit to him.”