Brentford fans can expect an all action midfielder who makes his mark at both ends of the pitch when Lewis Macleod breaks into the first team.

So says Bees boss Mark Warburton, following his capture of the Rangers midfielder which will officially go through when the transfer window opens tomorrow.

Some fans have questioned whether a player who had only played outside the top flight in Scotland will be ready for a tussle in the top half of the Championship in England.

While Warburton admits Macleod is one for the future, he admits he's be happy throwing him in as soon as he has earned his place.

Long term investment: Mark Warburton

“Lewis is a long term investment who we were delighted to sign,” said Warburton. “David Weir knows all about him from his connection with Rangers, and his last few performances have confirmed our thoughts.

“He ticks all our boxes. He has bags of potential and is a real dynamic player. He has an eye for goals but knows his responsibilities off the ball too. He is definitely a mature head on young shoulders.

“He will play when he is ready, but he recognises we are a top six Championship side who have been playing well. Lewis has to earn the right to be in the team, and he will be fully focused on that.”

Although Macleod has not played for Rangers since suffering a hamstring injury in their Scottish League Cup defeat to Alloa a month ago, Warburton insists he has no injury concerns over his new signing.

However, the 20 year old, who has played for every Scotland national age group team from U16s to U21s, will be absent from the squad which takes on Brighton in the FA Cup at Griffin Park tomorrow.

Warburton said: “Lewis isn't available yet, but only because he has a few loose ends to tie up involving moving down here.”

While the temptation will be for Warburton to give some of his fringe players some game time tomorrow, he insists he won't be making too many changes.

He added: “The FA Cup is a fantastic tournament and we will go strong with our best available players.”

Keep up to date with all the build-up, matchday and post-game reaction to Brentford v Brighton right here on GetWestLondon