Bees ace keen to play on the left wing

Brentford’s Sam Saunders believes he can make the left wing position his own this season.

A place in manager Uwe Rosler’s front three is available after on-loan youngster Conor McAleny was forced to return to Everton after suffering a broken leg.

Saunders started on the left against Carlisle at the weekend but Rosler could still look elsewhere for McAleny’s replacement.

But Saunders told West London Sport: “I’d like to think I can make that position my own.

“The gaffer likes to change his squad and change his players around, but he knows I want to play there.

“Conor’s injury was obviously a tragedy but at the minute there seems to be an opportunity for me to get games there.

“Left wing, right wing, in behind the striker – I’ll play anywhere. I’m not happy being on the bench.”

Saunders has often found his playing time limited under Rosler and was second choice behind Harry Forrester for much of last season.

But the 30-year-old, who is now in his fifth season at the club, says he feels sharper than ever after seeking the help of a sprint coach.

Saunders explained: “I didn’t play as much as I’d have liked to last year so I looked at my game and where I can improve.

“I’ve been using a Chiswick Running School, working with a sprint coach once a week, and I feel it’s helped me loads so far.

“I’ve only done seven or eight sessions so far but I’m feeling the benefits already. I started it two weeks before pre-season and I feel a lot sharper than I did last year.”

He added: “My game time hasn’t been as much as I’d have liked. I’d like to try and make a few more starts.

“I enjoyed being out there [against Carlisle] and I love having that Saturday morning buzz again so hopefully there will be more to come.”

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