Brentford head coach Dean Smith has backed from Chelsea youngster Josh McEachran to find his best form with the Bees.

The 22-year-old arrived at Griffin Park on a four-year deal in the summer, ending a 14-year association with his former Premier League paymasters.

But he fractured his foot in pre-season training and has only just returned to first team action for Championship play-off chasing Brentford.

Wimbledon Times:

Back in the day: Brentford's Josh McEachran, left, making one of his 11 first team appearances for Chelsea

McEachran made his first start for his new club in Monday's 2-1 win at Reading, but was substituted in the second half to make way for match winner Sergi Canos.

Smith, who takes his side to promotion rivals Birmingham City tomorrow, is confident he will find the form that once put him on former England manager Fabio Capello's radar.

And the head coach is prepared to give him the time to do it.

"It was a tough game for Josh McEachran on Monday because we didn't have much ball in the first half," said the head coach.

"Josh needed to play. He has shown enough in recent weeks in training and deserved the chance to be put in. He just needs games now to get match fit.

"I know the quality he has. He played one cross field pass from just in front of the dugout in the first half, which you rarely see at this level."