Harlee Dean believes he was made a scapegoat for Brentford's heavy defeats against Norwich and Middlesbrough last month.

Once one of the first names of the team sheet, the centre back has slipped down the pecking order at Griffin Park since the arrival of James Tarkowski last January.

Although boss Mark Warburton insists he had three first choice centre backs vying for two places, Dean has played second fiddle to Tarkowski and Tony Craig for much of this year.

He was recalled following Craig's red card against Birmingham in August and kept his place for six matches while Craig did some time on the bench.

However, Dean returned to the sidelines following the 4-0 defeat at the Riverside Stadium and has not had another sniff of action until tonight.

Suspended: James Tarkowski

With Tarkowski this time suspended, Dean will be restored for the home game against Sheffield Wednesday, but he is not confident of an extended run in the side this time.

He said: “I don’t think I did much wrong last time. To be taken out of the side was a bit of a blow. I’ll play on Tuesday, and if I do well I might keep my shirt. If I don’t, then I won’t.

“Against Norwich we played well and lost 3-0. Against Middlesbrough we lost 4-0, but we had 11 players that didn’t play well – not just me, and I was the one that got changed.

“There’s not much I can say about it, it’s the manager’s choice. At the minute, I’m his third choice, and when these chances come, I'll see if I can keep the shirt. I don’t know whether it’s a chance. I know I’ve got to play well and give a good account of myself, which I want to do anyway.

“I spoke to him (Warbuton) when I got dropped. A few things were said, but there’s not much I can say. He told me what it was, I have done that. I’ve got to do it for myself really. When the chance comes I’ve got to make sure I take it, I’m just looking forward to doing that.”

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