Brentford head coach Dean Smith has not given up hope of seeing defender James Tarkowski in a Bees shirt again.

The 23-year-old centre back, the subject of transfer speculation last week surrounding a move to Burnley, refused to play in Friday's 3-1 defeat to the Clarets.

Smith confirmed the former Oldham Athletic man had been disciplined by the club this week, but he was back in training having been given a few days off.

The Bees head to Preston North End on Saturday looking to end a run of four straight defeats and, although Tarkowski will not make the trip, Smith is confident he will return to the fold.

“James Tarkowski was in the training group on today," said Smith.

"We have dealt with him internally. He won’t be available for selection on Saturday, but will be available for future matches for sure.

“He needed to settle down, he wasn’t at the training ground for a few days this week.

"We felt it was right to keep him away and he wanted to reflect.”