KEVIN O'Connor has warned Ben Nugent (pictured) he has a fight on his hands to be Brentford's first port of call for cover at centre-back.

Nugent signed on loan from Cardiff last week, but despite Tony Craig missing the Saturday's draw at Port Vale through injury, had to make do with a place on the bench.

O'Connor, who has played mainly in the centre of midfield or right back during his 15 years at the club, deputised at centre-back, just as he did when Craig was suspended for three games at the end of last season.

O'Connor said: “Tony picked up his knock a week last Tuesday, so I had an inkling I'd be playing then, as you don't want to rush someone back from a hamstring injury. Hopefully it won't be long term though.

“I heard the rumours we were going to get somebody in, and then Ben came in from Cardiff, but the manager put his faith in me, which I take as a sign that I didn't do too badly when Tony was out at the end of last season.

“It's my job to make Ben fight for a chance now, although he's a slightly different type of player to me. At 6ft 4ins, he's definitely slightly bigger!” 

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