Brentford FC veteran Kevin O'Connor admits he's not a father-figure at Griffin Park - as he doesn't need to be.

The 27-year-old Irishman, in his testimonial season at Brentford, is the club's longest-serving player by far.

But he insists the younger players in this exciting Bees squad are so grounded he doesn't need to keep their feet on the floor.

He said: "I suppose if any of the younger lads started getting carried away it would be my job to take them aside and have a quiet word.

"But I've not needed to do anything like that as they're all so down to earth, despite our current run and league position."

It will come as some relief to Bees fans that O'Connor suffered no ill-effect from a blow he took to his head in the second-half against Bury on Saturday.

He was flat out on the deck for some time and a stretcher was initially called for, but O'Connor was up and running again after being bound up with a Terry Butcher-style bandage.

He said: "I didn't even see it coming, and next thing I knew I was on the floor, but I'm absolutely fine now."

And for boss Scott, it showed exactly why utility man O'Connor has become a regular fixture in his midfield this season.

He added: "Kevin has got a nice little cut on his head, but fortunately it is on the side and shouldn't affect him too much.

"He wasn't knocked out or anything so it was more precautionary. It just shows the desire and passion he has got for the game and his will to win.

"He sticks his head in at the last moment to win tackles and inspires people."