Brentford boss Tommy Smith’s return from injury will give the Bees great strength in the depth for the winter months, says boss Mark Warburton.

The 34-year-old, who has not featured since a 1-0 Capital One Cup defeat to Fulham, will turn out for the club’s development squad on Monday as he steps up his comeback.

And the Griffin Park chief admitted it is a big boost to his plans to have the former Watford men fighting for selection alongside fit again Sam Saunders and Stuart Dallas.

“Tommy is a very talented player - we’ve already seen that - and covers several positions for us,” said the manager.

“He can play seven, eight, 10 and, 11 so provides something we haven’t got in that sense.

“He was a loss and we are delighted to have him back.”