Alan McCormack is available for selection for Brentford against Charlton on Saturday after being out of action since the start of January.

The former Addick has been struggling with calf problems but he has had a full week of training since then.

And head coach Dean Smith is delighted to see the Irishman back in the ranks with the Bees missing his drive and ambititon.

He said: “Alan McCormack has had a full week training with us which is really pleasing. He's not in contention to start the game but he'll be fighting for a place on the bench.

Jacques Maghoma and Maxime Colin
Blues v Brentford: Jacques Maghoma and Maxime Colin - the match Blues last conceded

Maxime Colin will miss the game with an abdominal injury and there are fears that he may require season-ending surgery.

Smith added: “Maxime Colin is still out. He's seen a consultant and had a course of injections to cure him otherwise it might be the surgical route.”

Lewis Macleod's knee complaints have led to injections to strengthen the tendon but Smith assured there'd be no need for surgery.

He explained: “Lewis has had an injection into his knee and hopefully he'll be back training next week.

Knee injury: Lewis Macleod

“There's no fear regarding the surgical route. He saw the consultant and there are no worries there.

“It's just a course of injections. We're just waiting. He needs the tendon to be strengthened and whatever they put there will get him out on the training ground as soon as possible.”

Scott Hogan stepped up his return from two anterior cruciate ligament injuries with a goal for the development squad on Monday and he will have another run out next Monday against Millwall.

And Smith wants him to get through at least two more games before he even considers him for the senior squad.

The head coach said: “Scott Hogan will play in the development squad game on Monday against Millwall.

Scott Hogan

“It was great to see him and to score on his return was really pleasing for him. He's worked really hard in training.

"I think he needs another couple of games at least until I can even think about him. If you ask Scott now, he'd say he's ready now (and he did when speaking to GetWestLondon earlier this week).

"I think I'd be like Scott if I'd been out for so long. I'll be guided by the medical department.”

Andreas Bjelland is out on the grass with the medical team but no timescale is in place on whether he'd take part in some training with the squad and the Dane is not expected to be involved for the first teamthis season.

Smith said: “He's on the green stuff. I saw him this morning kicking balls. I'm looking forward to working with him.

Out for the season: Andreas Bjelland

“He was unfortunate to get injured against Oxford. He hasn't come with us at all yet.

“He's just been on the grass with the medical team. I'm not sure on any timeframe. It's not in the next couple of weeks.”