SWINE flu has struck Brentford FC.

The Chronicle can reveal left-back Ryan Dickson caught the potentially-deadly virus on the club's pre-season training camp in Marbella.

Dickson played in the friendlies against Staines, Ipswich and Aldershot on his return to England, before finally being struck down by the illness.

Doctors ordered him to take a week's rest to try and prevent any other members of Andy Scott's side catching the virus.

A club insider said: "Ryan had a chest infection against Staines, and his condition worsened during the week.

"The antibiotics weren't working, and after the Aldershot game he felt terrible. Ryan was told to stay at home for seven days."

Dickson returned to full training on Monday, and is due to feature in the Bees last friendly at Hayes & Yeading on Saturday.

No other members of Scott's squad are thought to have caught the virus.

The former Plymouth Argyle full-back isn't the first footballer to contract the illness.

England and Manchester City star Micah Richards was laid down by the flu while holidaying in Ayia Napa this summer.