Jack Bonham proved that he could play at Championship level after his fine performance at Barnsley, Dean Smith insisted.
The Bees number two came in for the rested Dan Bentley for his first league start for the Bees, four years after first signing with the club.
And he made a string of fine saves to keep the west Londoners level in the second half after Florian Jozefzoon cancelled out Marley Watkins' opener.
Smith said: “He made some good saves today from distance and the one where the lad gets through on the counter attack; he made a good save.
“I've been looking for the opportunity to get him in as his attitude in training has been very good. I needed to know whether Jack can compete at Championship level and he's proven today that he can.”
Smith also believed that Bonham silenced his doubters, who reacted with shock and fury to the announcement of his selection.
He added: “I told him yesterday he was starting. He's been patient and pushing Daniel Bentley. He exorcised a few demons.
“He's had stick from quarters but I can only comment on what I've seen. He did well in the Exeter game.”
