SCOTT Barron made his first appearance for more than four months this week – but admits he must bide his time at Brentford.

The former Millwall full-back came through 45 minutes of Tuesday night's pre-season friendly win at Boreham Wood without any ill effects after a long lay-off following a hip operation.

However, the 27-year-old is still behind the rest of his team-mates and unlikely to be ready for next week's League One opener at Port Vale.

He said: “It was nice to be back in a competitive environment.

“The most important thing was getting through the 45 minutes unscathed. I've done three or four days full training and hopefully I can continue without any setbacks.

“I know I won't be going straight back into the team because they did well last year and are ahead of me.

“I'll have to play a bit of a waiting game and see what happens.”

Barron made just five league starts for the Bees last campaign following his move from the New Den.

However, he spent the final few months of the season on the treatment table after struggling to shake off a niggling hip problem.

“Last season was disappointing on a personal level,” Barron admitted.

“It didn't go how I had planned, which was a shame. I never had a full pre-season, so was a bit behind the rest of the lads, and that's happened again this time.

“I feel better than I did this time last year because I put a lot of work in over the summer. Fitness-wise I'm doing okay, but I'm obviously lacking match sharpness.

“The gaffer said I can provide competition at left-back or in midfield, but ultimately I want to get in the team and hold my place down.

“There were opportunities last year but I was never in the right shape. When there is another chance I've got to be sure I take it.”

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