Bees centre back Harlee Dean is still to reach his peak says head coach Dean Smith.

The 24-year-old, who has been with the Bees for four-and-a-half years and has made 184 appearances in all competitions, has agreed a two-year contract extension committing the former Southampton youngster to the club until June 2018.

Dean originally switched to Griffin Park on loan from the Saints in November 2011 before making the move permanent at the end of that season.

There had been some speculation he was preparing to quit the club when his current deal expires at the end of this season., with former defensive partner James Tarkowksi making a move to Burnley last month.

And Smith believes his best years are still to come.

"I am really pleased Harlee has committed himself to the club," he said.

"It gives us all a great boost as he has been an integral part of the success on the playing field over the last couple of years.

“We can all forget very quickly that he is still a young player who has further scope for improvement and he has shown that he wants to develop further both as a player and as a leader.

Phil Giles, co-director of football at Brentford, added: "Negotiations with Harlee have been ongoing for a while, but always there was a desire from both Harlee and the club to find a contract that worked for all parties.

"I'm delighted that we have now been able to finalise an agreement and can look forward to seeing Harlee continuing to give his all for Brentford, as he has always done."

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

In-form: Brentford defender Nico Yennaris

Former Arsenal youngster Nico Yennaris has penned a three-year contract extension with the club after discovering a new lease of life at the club under Lee Carsley and Smith.

The 22-year-old former England U19 international has made 17 appearances this season having made only 12 in the 18 months prior. 

Smith said:"Nico has shown himself to be very diligent in his approach to his profession.

"He has shown he wants to further develop and is keen to establish himself within the first team.

"I believe that he can go on to play a lot of matches for Brentford and he is keen to continue the recent success of the club.”