Mark Phillips has assured Brentford fans their clean-sheet record is in good hands when Jamie Wilson returns to Bristol City in two weeks time.
The defender stepped into the breach at the eleventh hour after Alan Bennett failed a late fitness test before the Bees win over Morecambe on Tuesday night.
Loanees Bennett and Wilson have built a formidable partnership at the heart of defence, keeping six shut-outs in 10 league games.
But Wilson is returning to Ashton Gate after the Griffin Park clash with Rochdale on Saturday week.
Phillips is ready to grab his chance with both hands. He said: "Al had a fitness test before the game and, unfortunately for him, he wasn't deemed fit.
"Him and Jamie have been doing well together, but football's a cruel game. I've waited a long time and now I'll to take it with both hands.
"Jamie going back gives me time to get some fitness into my legs and build a partnership with someone.
"I've come here to play first-team football. Hopefully I can string a few games together now and help us stay up at the top."
The 26-year-old had only started twice for Scott's side this season (in the JPT games with Yeovil and Luton) before the Shrimpers clash.
He missed the whole of last season with a cruciate injury, but has been doing extra training in a bid to get himself back to full fitness.
He added: "I'm not 100 per cent match-fit at the moment.
"I've only played a game a month so far. I'm reasonably pleased with how I played, and there's definitely something to work on.
"I know what level I should be performing at. I'm probably three or four games off where I know I could be.
"I've been doing my bits in training like working on my speed and agility to make sure I'm ready. I tired as the game went on but did as well as I could, not playing in a month."
