Boss Andy Scott has praised Brentford skipper Kevin O’Connor for turning his Griffin Park career around having seemed set for the exit door less then two years ago.

The 28-year-old - who made his Bees first team debut just over ten years ago - celebrated his 400th appearance for the club in Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at promotion chasing Swindon Town.

He fell out of favour at the start of last season, but battled back to help the side lift the League Two title and has been a near ever-present this campaign.

And Scott believes O’Connor, who is set to host a testimonial match with Tottenham Hotspur during pre-season, is the example others could do worse than follow.

“It is a magnificent achievement. He deserves all the plaudits. He has done it with a great respect from the fans and the club alike,” he said.

“He is a fantastic professional who never gets involved in any shenanigans. He is a great lad to have around and he is one who can inspire younger lads.

”Just by his actions, he sets a terrific example of the type of player I want.

“If you go back to when Terry Butcher took over, for one reason or another, and more financial than anything else, Kevin probably felt he would be out of the door.

“But he never stopped working. He got back in the side after an injury to Gary Smith, has stayed there ever since and subsequently got a new deal.

“To keep your head and dignity when things are going wrong around you, shows strength of character. He will play anywhere I put him and will give me everything. You can’t ask for more than that.”