Alan McCormack's display against Charlton yesterday reminded Brentford boss Lee Carsley of his former Everton team-mate Thomas Gravesen.
McCormack was at the centre of everything at The Valley and was unfortunate not to score with a 35 yard belter which cannoned back off the crossbar.
It was further evidence of turnaround in McCormack's Bees career, having spent most of last season on the bench after losing his place to Moses Odubajo when injured but moved back into midfield this term.
Carsley said: “It looks like he has got his legs back and he's playing with a lot of confidence. I asked him to play a different role rather than sitting in front of the back four.
“He played a box to box role and was unlucky not to score with a great strike. He deserved a goal. I thought I was watching Thomas Gravesen out there at one point!
“Alan has got a great attitude and we're just trying to get the best out of him. He's got a lot of energy and it's about using that the right way. There's no point in him playing seven games and getting seven bookings.
“Toumani Diagouraga and Ryan Woods are in good form too, and they all seem to compliment each other. I first came across Alan when I was at Coventry and he was playing in midfield for Swindon, so I knew he could play there.”
Credit must also go, says Carsley, to Nico Yennaris, whose top form at right-back while filling in for the injured Maxime Colin has allowed McCormack to be pushed back into midfield.
He added: “The frustrating thing with Nico is he doesn't think he's as good as I think he is. He just needs some self-belief and confidence in his own ability.”
