Time was right to drop Bentley, says Bees boss

Brentford boss Dean Smith has insisted it was the right time to drop Daniel Bentley and give Luke Daniels a chance against Birmingham.

Keeper Bentley was replaced after costly mistakes in the home draw with Reading on Saturday – and Smith says it was not just that performance that influenced his decision.

“He has made a few mistakes over the last month. If other outfielders make mistakes then you change it,” Smith said.

“It wasn’t a big decision to drop him – it was a decision. He has made a couple of mistakes and he knows that.

“But the sign of the person he is was how he took it. He was obviously gutted but accepted my decision.”

Daniels impressed in only his second league start since joining the club in 2017, as the Bees were held 1-1 at Griffin Park.

And Smith said: “Luke Daniels is a good goalkeeper, who has been pushing Daniel Bentley, so he deserved the opportunity.

“I thought Luke did alright. He made a great save in the first half when they had a big chance, and he looked competent.”