Loan spell has helped Canos, says Smith

Dean Smith believes Sergi Canos’ loan spell at Brentford has prepared the Liverpool youngster for the physicality of the Premier League.

Canos joined the Bees at the end of the summer transfer window and was largely used as a substitute until Smith arrived as head coach in November.

The Spaniard has made 17 of his 18 starts for Brentford, and scored five of his six goals, under Smith, including a stunning goal at Reading in December.

And Canos has been backed to succeed if he continues to work hard when he returns to Anfield.

“You have to be exceptional to go and play at that level,” Smith said after Brentford’s 3-0 win over Fulham.

“You look at Dele Alli and you look at Wayne Rooney – two young lads who have gone in early.

“What Sergi’s had now is experience of playing men’s football at a really good level, so I suppose it’ll depend how he does in pre-season with Liverpool.”

Smith said Liverpool’s staff had been impressed with Canos’ performances during his loan spell.

He added: “We send regular reports and they send people to watch him regularly as well.

“They’ve been really pleased with how he’s developed as a player. He’s done terrific.”