Alan Judge is still enjoying life at Brentford, insists head coach Dean Smith.
Reports over the weekend have suggested that the Irishman was ‘angry’ about the way he’s been treated by the club.
The club are keen to offer Judge a new contract but have had difficulties on agreeing all the relevant clauses.
But Smith believes Judge is happy and sees Brentford as the best place for him given the role the midfielder has in the side.
He said: “I think I’ve waxed lyrical about Alan ever since I’ve been here. He’s been very good in the dressing room. Stories of him being angry - I haven’t seen that at all.
“Alan enjoys it here. It’s a good environment to work. There’s a culture around the place that he likes.
“He’s given the freedom out on the football pitch as we believe his best position is playing off the frontman.
“He’s played out wide before and I think you suppress if you play him in that position. You see him playing with freedom and playing with a smile on his face and playing well. If he were to go anywhere else, he’s not guaranteed that.”
Judge is desperate to earn his first Republic of Ireland cap and, provided he maintains his excellent form and remains injury free, he will win that over the Easter weekend.
And Smith believes he would give himself the best chance if he continued doing what he is doing at Griffin Park.
He added: “He just loves playing football. He’s got a superb attitude and just wants to get better.
“He’s had a fruitful season in front of goal and he wants to keep scoring and getting better. His ultimate aim is to get into the Ireland squad at the Euros.
“I believe (his best chance to do that is with Brentford) and I think Alan probably believes that as well.
“It’s very hard to know what is going to happen. Everybody, bar Man City’s players probably, have a value and if that value is met it’s hard to say no to.”
The Brentford head coach believes that Judge will remain at the club and cracked a joke when asked if he hoped he would stay: “I’ve got that little transfer window calendar. When I open the window on the second of February, I hope it’s a big chocolate Alan Judge.”
