Brentford loaned Konstantin Kerschbaumer to Arminia Bielefeld for the season because they couldn't guarantee him regular game-time.

The Austrian midfielder joined the Bees two years ago and has made 50 league appearances for the west Londoners, scoring once.

Brentford, much like they did with Jota in 2015, have inserted a one-year option into his contract, meaning the Bees can trigger it if they wish to.

Smith told the club's official website: “When we reviewed last season, Kersch was obviously disappointed with the lack of game time during the first two thirds of the season and was looking for guarantees for this season.

Konstantin Kerschbaumer

“With the quality we have in the squad, we cannot guarantee game time for anyone. I fully understood his concerns, that at his age he needs to be playing regular football and we felt it was in the best interests of both Kersch and the club that he went out on loan somewhere to get the game time he desires.

“We have allowed him to join Arminia Bielefeld on loan so he can get the games he needs. Playing regular matches will keep his development going, not playing regularly could stall his progress and we do not want that. He is a player we still have high hopes for.”