Former Brentford striker Andre Gray believes the Bees have a good squad capable of going up, as long as their star players remain at Griffin Park.

The Watford new boy returns to the south east after two years away in Burnley, who he joined from Brentford in the summer of 2015.

Gray has always had fond memories of his time at the club and believes they have a strong squad in the Championship this season.

He said: “They've come close every year. We were unlucky when I was there and we got to the play-offs and they were two games from doing it last year, I think.

Nico Yennaris celebrates his goal against Aston Villa

“They've got a good squad now, have had the manager for over a season and as long as they keep their players I'm sure they can do well.”

Gray also had high praise for former team-mate and pal Nico Yennaris, who captained the side at AFC Wimbledon.

He added: “He's a very good friend of mine. That's the aura he's got, he's built for something like that.

“Being captain will be fantastic for him and for the club too. He's been there a while now, he's one of the long-serving players who's left there since they got promoted from League One.

“He knows the club inside out and it's great for him. He deserves everything he gets and hopefully he can be captain.”