Alan Judge will put his heart and soul into helping Brentford finish as high up in the Championship as possible before considering his future plans in the summer.

The Irishman has been the Bees’ stand-out player this season, scoring 13 goals and setting up a further eight.

His form led to intense speculation around his future in January, with Burnley and Sheffield Wednesday interested, but he decided to stay put.

Judge said the two main reasons for staying were the free role he has at Griffin Park as well as the respect he has for the supporters.

He told GetWestLondon : “I’m happy at Brentford and giving everything I have for the cause. In the summer I’ll consider my options.

In pictures: Alan Judge's magnificent season

“I’m an ambitious person and I’ve got things I want to do in my career. Every player wants to play in the Premier League, but my sole focus at the moment is Brentford.

“Dean Smith hasn’t really differed from Lee Carsley. He’s let me get on with my game. He hasn’t changed the way I play - I can play in my free role.

“It was a big factor in why I stayed, as well as the respect of the fans, and I felt I should finish the season for them before considering my options.

“I think I’m best when I can move around the pitch and I don’t have to stay in a certain position. Not many managers let you do it, but Dean and Lee have.”

It is no secret that Judge’s main ambition for the rest of the season is to earn his first Republic of Ireland cap and force his way into Martin O’Neill’s Euro 2016 squad through his performances for Brentford.

He added: “I’m hopeful that I get a chance. I’m scoring goals, making goals and doing what I’m supposed to be doing.

Martin O'Neill the manager of the Republic of Ireland manager celebrates following his team's 2-0 victory and qualification during the UEFA EURO 2016 Qualifier play off, second leg match between Republic of Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Aviva Stadium
International aims: Judge wants to force his way into Martin O'Neill's plans

“I think I can add something different to the Irish squad. I spoke to the manager last time and he said I’d probably get my chance.

“Going to play international football is the highest level and if I even get one minute I’ll be delighted.

“It’ll then be up to me to make a statement for the summer and hopefully I’m doing that at the moment.”

The first task for Judge and co is to take three points back from Rotherham on Saturday as they look to secure a top 10 finish.

Video: Last time the two sides met

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The Bees beat the Millers in October, which was the springboard for their rise up the table under Carsley, but Judge expects a different encounter on Saturday.

He said: “It was the start of the fightback but they’ll be a different team now as they’re scrapping for their lives.

“It should be a good game and they’ll try and do their best to stop us playing. Neil Warnock is a good manager and his teams scrap so it’s going to be tough.

“We know the play-offs are probably out of reach so we’ve set ourselves a target of getting into the top 10.”