Dean Smith has paid tribute to Harlee Dean for the way the Brentford defender has taken on the responsibility of the captaincy at Griffin Park.
The former Southampton man was named skipper at the start of the season and the 25-year-old has taken on the mantle with aplomb and has produced his most consistent run of form in his time at Griffin Park.
Dean has often spoken about his desire to score goals and bagged one against Preston on September 17, while producing some of the best games of his career.
“He has taken on the role of captain very well. He's learning all the time and his performances have been impressive,” Smith said.
“He popped up with a goal (against Preston). I'm not sure about his celebration and I told him that – he tried a Klinsmann but nearly popped his knee ligaments out.”
Smith believes that Dean has thrived on the responsibility as well as the competition he faces from Andreas Bjelland and Yoann Barbet who are battling for a spot at left back given the form of the skipper and defensive partner John Egan.
Smith added: I've always felt that he enjoys responsibility and the more you give him, the more you get from him and it's been the case.
“He knows he's got competition and whether you're captain or not you've got to perform to keep the shirt. He and John Egan have performed really well to keep the shirts.”
Dean may only be 25 but he has played over 200 games for the Bees and will have learnt from the difficult moments in his career.
Smith explained: “He's played over 200 games for Brentford. He's only 25 years old and he's got a bright future ahead of him but that experience has come from games.
“He'll have learnt a lot from bad times and learning a lot with the players on the pitch.”
