Yoann Barbet admits it was a frustrating four months sitting in the sidelines for Brentford – but he is loving being involved once more.
The summer signing from Chamois Niortais made his bow in the 4-0 Capital One Cup humiliation by Oxford, then got more tastes of first team action against Middlesbrough and Preston while James Tarkowski was suspended.
Then came a four months kicking his heels before Tarkowski's refusal to play against Burnley and subsequent banishment from the side saw him earn a recall .
Barbet has now played in the Bees' last three games, and his cultured style means Tarkowski, who has now left the club , is not yet being missed.
He said: “It's difficult when you're not playing. You have to work hard, be patient and take your chance when you get it.
“Four months without playing was difficult because I played all the season last year. It was difficult but good for the mind to work hard, and now I'm ready.
“The lads made it easy, they helped me a lot. I played a few games with the U21s to be ready, and I think I have done okay. I try to play football, play short or play a long pass if I have the space to.”
Jack O'Connell was initially favoured as Tarkowski's replacement, but he lasted just one game before the Frenchman was given another go.
Barbet added: “We all compliment each other as defenders. It's nice, we are all friends. There are no problem between us, we all give our best.”