John Egan feels Brentford’s recent run of form has shown the strength in depth that is on offer to Dean Smith at Griffin Park. The Bees took 11 points from six games in September and early October to head into this weekend’s international break in seventh place, just two points outside the Play-Offs. John believes the wins over Brighton and Hove Albion, Preston North End, and Reading showed that The Bees can compete with anyone in the Sky Bet Championship especially given the quality of player waiting for their chance in the starting XI.
“We had some great results in there and we only lost once,” said John, speaking to Bees Player earlier this week. “We went out to achieve a certain number of points and we achieved it. It was just a pity that we couldn’t pick up a couple more points. However, we played some really good sides in that run of games so it was a good return. We have played some sides who people expect to be up around the top and we have acquitted ourselves well. We have shown that we can compete with anybody in this league and that gives us confidence moving forward.
“The quality in the squad stood out for me this month. We could change the squad and the results still remained emphatic like it was against Reading. We know that we have got a really good squad of players and good strength in depth. Players can come in and perform at a really high level and that is one of the big factors over the last few games. As a player, when you are playing every week, it makes you stay on your toes and you know you can’t slack off for a second because you might lose your shirt.”
As well as the 11 points and 13 goals, The Bees also added another three clean sheets to their tally with shutouts against Brighton and Hove Albion, Preston North End, and Wigan Athletic. John has partnered Harlee Dean at the heart of the defence for every minute of the season so far and the 23-year-old feels he is really starting to develop a good partnership with The Bees skipper as well as goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.
“As a defender clean sheets are what you live and die by,” said John. “We have been keeping it solid at the back and our shape has been good. The midfielders have been giving us protection too and Daniel Bentley has been making saves. It is a collective effort keeping clean sheets and as a defender you love keeping clean sheets so that’s been a real positive. The start of the season has really allowed myself and Harlee Dean to get a really good partnership going. We have learned about each other’s game and we have been really solid as a pair. He is a great player to play with and we have Daniel who, if there is a shot on goal, can pull off a worldie save. Continuity at the back is important and you can see the benefit of that.”
Next up in the league is the highly-anticipated trip to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United. More than 2,500 Brentford fans have already got tickets for next Saturday’s game and John, who will have family and friends over to watch, admitted it is a game that the players are really looking forward to.
“We have been thinking of Newcastle away now since the last game, that is the way we do things,” said John. “It should be a great atmosphere up there. We are going to go up there believing in what we can do, focussing on our gameplan, and try and get the win. You want to play in the biggest stadiums in front of the biggest crowds and if any footballer says they don’t get a thrill off that they would be lying. I can’t wait. I have family and friends over for the game. Hopefully they will enjoy it. We are looking forward to the game but it is another game of football. There are three points up for stake and hopefully we can get them.”