Warburton hails Dallas after Bees win
Manager Mark Warburton has hailed the progress of Stuart Dallas after his two goals helped Brentford to an emphatic derby victory over Fulham.
The 23-year-old Northern Ireland international fired home two superb long-range strikes to give his side a 2-0 lead before Alan Judge and Jota finished off a 4-1 win at Craven Cottage.
Warburton was Brentford’s sporting director when he brought Dallas over from part-time Northern Ireland Premiership side Crusaders in 2012 and says the player has gone from strength to strength.
“I went to see him in Ireland and he was on £70 a week as a part-timer,” Warburton said.
“He was about 19 and playing on a poor pitch in driving wind and rain. It was freezing cold and he never stopped running.
“He was enthusiastic and had quality on the ball, looking for the pass. For a guy playing where he was for £70 he showed so much potential.
“I signed him, he cost us a small sum and it was money well spent that’s for sure. He’s only 23 and he’s getting better and better.
“He’s done well for his country, too. He adds adds energy, dynamism and quality and we never had any doubts he couldn’t cut it at this level. There’s lots more to come from Stuart Dallas.”
Brentford’s victory sent them back into the play-off places with six games of the season remaining and Warburton insisted there is no reason why his side still cannot make automatic promotion.
“This was a big London derby and massive for the fans but we have to focus one game at a time. It’s the same three points we’re fighting for,” he said.
“There’s 18 points to play for. We’re on 69 now, so what would 87 points get you if you win all games? If no team puts a run together, 84 or 85 points might be enough, you just never know.
“I think we’ve had momentum from day one and we lacked some self belief early on but we got that and we deserve to be where we are. The table doesn’t lie after 40 games.”
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