Lee Bowyer on Saturday's game against Brentford, Darren Pratley's contract extension and the right backs training with the club

Ahead of Saturday’s match against Brentford, Lee Bowyer spoke to the press about looking ahead to the Bees' visit to The Valley on Saturday.

Lee Bowyer's full pre-match press conference is available on Valley Pass. Valley Pass costs just £6.50 per month or £60 for the year and you can sign-up here.

Below are some of today's talking points.

On the Brentford game… 

"It’s going to be a tough one, they’re a good side. A good footballing side. So that’s what I’m expecting. It’s ruthless in this division. Maybe in League One teams needed two or three chances to score, well it’s not like that in this league. If teams get a chance, then nine times out of ten they take it. There’s the physicality in this league, they’re quicker they’re stronger, but every team has its weaknesses and we’re no different so we’re just trying to figure out what their strengths and weaknesses are and try to counteract that from watching the teams, and then try to beat them.

On extending Darren Pratley’s contract…

"You’ve got to remember what Darren brings. His experience is one thing but what people don’t see is what he is like in and around the training ground, and in training every day. He’s a professional. Our young lads look up to him and he’s very good with the young lads that are coming through – George Lapslie loves him. He’s constantly asking him questions and Prats is constantly passing on good information to him.

"He’s definitely earned this extra year and he’s been a top pro from day one. He was invaluable at the end of last season and the start of this season he’s been exceptional, so he deserved that year." 

On players training with the club…

"We’ve got two players in at the moment so we’re looking at both options and they’re both doing well. It’s good to have options and we’re just going to keep looking at them and it’s not really fair to make too much judgement because they haven’t done the pre-season with everybody and they haven’t really kicked a ball [this season] before they came here. I’m not going to be too judgemental so early on. 

"Adam Matthews [is training with the squad], he’s a Welsh international, he’s a good player. He’s 27 I think, so he’s a bit younger than Tyrone [Mears]. They’re two good players that are trying to get a spot."

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