Josh Clarke has enjoyed a remarkable start to the season and is becoming a first-team regular under Dean Smith.

The 21-year-old, who came through the ranks at Griffin Park, made his first start for Brentford against Preston on September 19 last year.

A brief loan spell at Barnet during Lee Carsley's reign followed before he worked his way into the side, starting at Premier League bound Hull last season before producing impressive performances at Brighton and Aston Villa this season.

And Clarke attributes his form and status at the club down to the hard work he's put in on the training ground.

He said: “I've just been getting my head down and working. I've done extra work. I've been working on what I can do better. It's all about how much I want it. I'm just working on my performance.”

He added: “I'm comfortable now. I'm just going in to play my game. I was nervous at the start of the season but H (Harlee Dean) got me through and the lads got me through.

“That's the main thing – we're staying together as a team. We encourage each other and keep going as a team.”

Josh Clarke

Preston targeted Clarke at Griffin Park last season and took a first minute lead through Daniel Johnson.

However, the full back, who can also play on the right wing, grew into the game before Sergi Canos inspired a fightback to a 2-1 win.

“The first 10-15 minutes I was a bit nervous but I was encouraged by the lads, especially Harlee,” Clarke explained.

“I had to believe in myself and play my game. I grew into the game and that was the main thing. I took that performance onto the next performance when I started. I am getting better and better.”