Brentford's Harlee Dean knows he has a battle to reclaim his place next season, as he is set to miss the opening day clash with Sheffield United.
Dean was a regular fixture in Dean Smith's side last year but his one-match suspension which carries over from the final day of the last campaign has ruled him out against the Blades.
Speaking to the Bees' official website, following the pre-season win at Milton Keynes Dons, Dean is working extra hard to make sure he won't be on the substitutes' bench for long when he is available.
“It has been tough knowing that I am suspended for the first game,” he said.
“Pre-season is usually about proving to the manager that you should be in the team for the first game.
"It has been different for me because there is no way that is possible for me.
"I am hoping that I can get back in the team as soon as possible.
"I want the team to go and win at Sheffield United. If they win then I don’t get back in as it is their shirt to lose.
"I might have to wait a little while but you never know. I just have to make sure that I am ready.
"I feel that I am important to the team. I want to get back in and play football - I don’t want to sit on the bench.”
Reflecting on the past month back with his team-mates, Dean admits it's been one of the hardest pre-season's he can remember.
However, it's also been a pre-season where everyone - including the new signings - has gelled in every situation on and off the pitch at the training ground.
“It has probably been the toughest pre-season since I came here to be honest,” said Dean.
“We’ve had a lot of sessions with not a lot of days off. The trip was hard as this new counter-pressing system means that we have to be as fit as possible.
"The new lads haven’t really had a chance to get away from us because we have been in every day so you are going to get to know each other when you are with them 24/7.
"Everyone seems like the same sort of character and personality and everyone seems driven to achieve the same thing.”
