John Egan believes that a 3-5-2 formation is great, as long as the side playing it get it right.

Brentford started the 1-1 pre-season friendly at Wycombe using that formation, moving away from the standard 4-2-3-1 that has become their trademark.

Dean Smith spoke of a need to be tactically flexible and Egan explained the difference between playing in a back four to having three centre backs and two wing backs.

He said: “It's a great formation when you get it right. Playing at centre back in a four and three is different so you have to adapt. You need to do a job.

Dean Smith

“Whether it's a three or four I don't mind where I'm playing. When you're playing at the side a three you're half a full back and centre back.

“If you can get it right it's a great formation and the lads are learning quickly.

“We mixed between that and 4-4-2 diamond at Gillingham and we had success with it at times and found it difficult at others. It's hard to perfect something.”