Nico Yennaris made his first Championship start of the season at Derby and hopes he has done enough to convince Brentford boss Lee Carsley he’s ready for regular games.
The 22-year-old former Arsenal youngster had only featured in the 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Oxford United in the Capital One Cup prior to yesterday’s appearance at the iPro Stadium.
It was another defeat for Yennaris on his Bees return as the Rams eased to a 2-0 victory in front of their own supporters but the men from Griffin Park upped their game in the second half.
Yennaris hopes that much-improved 45 minutes has given Carsley something to think about as we head into a two-week international break ahead of a crunch clash with Rotherham United.
“We were a bit slow to start with but grew into the game,” Yennaris explained to Bees Player. “I thought in the second half we showed a bit of character and didn’t just roll over.
“We needed to win our individual battles all over the pitch and move the ball a bit quicker in the final third. Derby haven’t had the best of results here lately but I think they’ll be up there at the end of the season.
“I’ve been in and around the squad for some games but that’s football. I was happy to get a start today and hopefully I can kick on now.
“I thought I did alright. It was the first time I’ve played with some of these players in a proper game so it may take some time to get a better understanding.
“There’s been quite a lot of injuries and suspensions so it was a good opportunity for me today and hopefully I’ve done enough and can keep my place in the team.”
Yennaris finished last season on loan at Wycombe Wanderers in League Two, reaching the play-off final with the Chairboys, and has struggled to break into the Brentford starting XI having returned this summer.
