Brentford head coach Dean Smith has heaped praise on Wolves manager Kenny Jackett ahead of the two sides meeting at Griffin Park.
Jackett took over at Molineux in 2013 after they'd suffered successive relegations and guided Wolves back to the second tier at the first attempt.
Like Brentford, the Black Country side enjoyed a strong campaign in the Championship but the going has been tougher so far this season for both clubs.
And Smith believes Jackett, who has previously improved the fortunes of Swansea and Millwall, is someone worth admiring.
The Bees boss said: “He started the rise at Swansea. I think he was the one before Roberto Martinez and Brendan Rodgers.
“Kenny is a person I admire a lot. He's done really good work at Swansea, Millwall and now Wolves.
“It was a local game when I was with Walsall. Brentford had a great win there earlier in the season.
“Kenny will be fully aware of that and it'll be a tough game. Wolves have a lot of young players coming through the academy. It's a big club with some really good players.
“I knew Kenny and had spoken to him before he joined Wolves. Him and Joe Gallen have done a really good job there.”
Jackett has full trust in his lieutenant, Gallen, and Smith believes the relationship between manager and assistant is vital to success.
He added: “It's very important. I spent my first 18 months without one. It was very tough. It gives someone to challenge you.
“You don't want someone agreeing with you. Richard challenges me all the time, push me and give me options.
“You need someone to speak to about decisions and have someone to challenge you as well.”
