KEVIN O'CONNOR reckons former team-mate Darren Powell is the perfect addition to Brentford's promotion-chasing squad, writes Tim Street.

O'Connor was a youngster breaking into the first-team when centre-back Powell, who played 146 games for Brentford between 1998-2002, was at his peak for the Bees.

Powell then went on to feature for Crystal Palace and Southampton while O'Connor became a Brentford legend in his own right, racking up more than 350 games - and counting.

O'Connor said: "I remember Darren being a massive unit and a very good player.

"The partnerships he formed with Hermann Hreidarsson and Ivar Ingimarsson were the basis of our last title win at this level.

"He's a brilliant signing to come in and add some experience to what is already a very good defence we have here."

Powell was one of four new signings in an amazing week at Brentford, as boss Andy Scott puts the finishing touches to his League Two championship-chasers.

It's a far cry from previous promotion campaigns, when instead of strengthening the side with new blood, Brentford have flogged key players like Nicky Forster and DJ Campbell at crucial times and blown it.

O'Connor said: "There has been a real vibe around the training ground this week, as well as a surprise or two.

"I knew Damian Spencer was coming, but when the other guys turned up we didn't have a clue they were coming in.

"It's a real boost for the final push. I remember when DJ was sold it was a real blow to the squad, but it's the opposite feeling now."

O'Connor is currently sidelined with a ligament injury in his right knee,but still hopes to make Scott's original target of the Bradford away game on Saturday week for a return to the side.

He added: "It's a bit too early to say yet, but it's coming on. I'm not even back running yet, but about the time of the Bradford game sounds right."