Dean Smith has called on Andreas Bjelland and Yoann Barbet to better themselves every day if they are to out either Harlee Dean or John Egan in the Brentford starting XI.
The Bees captain and summer signing from Gillingham have been impressive in the centre of the Bees' defence so far this season, conceding just four goals.
Barbet impressed on his return to action for the B team on Thursday night against Liverpool, while Bjelland shone at left back at Brighton on Saturday.
And Smith knows that he faces a selection headache as the season goes on.
He said: “That's what I wanted from the start of the season. Andreas had a little injury in pre-season and Yoann did at the start of the season.
“Harlee and John have played well but now they really have to play well as people are pushing for places.
“The shirt is theirs to keep but they have to keep their standards up. I ask the players to keep bettering themselves.
“All Andreas and Yoann can do is keep bettering themselves and pushing the others. If I see a drop in application, attitude or performance anywhere I have options to replace them in the team.”
