Woods ‘distracted’ by potential move – Smith

Ryan Woods has been “distracted” by a potential move to Swansea, Brentford boss Dean Smith has admitted.

Smith insisted it was the right thing to leave Woods out of the squad for the 5-1 thrashing of Rotherham after a bid from the Swans was rejected earlier this week.

And Smith cannot rule out the midfielder leaving before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

“Ryan had a really good training session with me this morning, but we both felt it was the right thing for him not to be in the squad,” Smith said.

“We know there has been a bid for him but the valuation has not been met. He’s okay with the situation but he was distracted earlier in the week.

“He’s a level-headed lad and he just wants to get on and play football.

“We all know there’s distractions within the game – monetary as well as club statures. There are an awful lot of distractions that can be out there.

“He is a little bit stressed. His partner is pregnant and close to having a baby, and when you’ve got an awful lot of things going around your head like that, football is the last on your mind.

“So it was ideal for us to give him a little rest and he came back Thursday, Friday, Saturday and trained really well. He remains a member of the squad and what a strong squad it will be if Ryan Woods is in it.”

Woods sat things out as Neal Maupay scored twice while Sergi Canos, Ollie Watkins and Lewis Macleod also found the net in a 5-1 mauling the newly-promoted Millers.

Smith said: “It was a good performance and a good result. We were aware we created the most chances in league last year but didn’t finish as many as we should.

“The boys have put that to bed. The attitude and application has been outstanding in pre-season and it showed today.”