Nico Yennaris believes Lee Carsley and Paul Williams played a big part in him being awarded a new contract by Brentford.
The young utility player penned a new three year deal last month after negotiations went smoothly.
While Dean Smith would have sanctioned the new contract, Yennaris wasn't given a run in the side until Carsley took over at the end of September.
And Yennaris admitted that Carsley's backing probably played a big part in talks even happening.
He said: “I think Lee and Willo had a big influence on those conversations as I had a lot more game time under them.
“When you're playing, everyone gets to see you and when you're not playing nobody gets to see you. I got a lot of minutes under them and that probably played a big part.”
Yennaris admitted that there were times he thought he'd have to weigh up his future options with no confirmation of an offer.
“Conversations happened quite late in the season there were some thoughts going through my head that I may not be here next year. I just focused on my football to make things happen,” he added.
“At the start of the new year, conversations began. Negotiations were pretty easy. It wasn't too difficult. We got there in the end and everything went smoothly.”
Marinus Dijkhuizen made his feelings on Yennaris clear when he preferred youngster Josh Clarke to him at right back and left him out of the 18 against Preston in September, a game where the Bees could almost name a starting XI from injured players.
For the 22-year-old, he didn't see it as that one moment and bided his time to get the chance, which he took with both hands and was excellent in the 3-0 win over Wolves in February.
He explained: “I don't think I've ever thought about just one game. I just made sure I worked hard and gave myself a chance to play.
“If I was picked I'd give my all. When I have been given a chance I think I've done well enough to keep the shirt.”
With a new deal in his pocket, Yennaris is now looking to retain his place in the side for the rest of the season.
He added: “I want to finish the season strongly and play the remainder of the games. If I can start them all, in my eyes it'd be a good season for me.
“Compared to last season where I barely played and had to go on loan it'd be a big improvement.”
