Brentford winger Sam Saunders says a heart-to-heart with boss Andy Scott - coupled with a return to form - means his Bees career is not over before it has really begun.

The 26-year-old started the season in sparkling fashion, but quickly slipped out of favour having failed to recapture the goalscoring form that made him a favourite at League Two Dagenham & Redbridge.

Saunders, still without a goal for his new club, impressed in a 4-0 win over Gillingham earlier this month - his first league start in almost four months having come off the bench to good effect against Southampton.

The former Carshalton Athletic man is one of only a few players to have forced their way back into Scott’s starting line-up having been dropped and he admitted he had considered a loan move to get regular first-team action.

But Saunders insists he is 100 per cent committed to completing his three-year contract as a Brentford player and has the Griffin Park chief to thank for giving him a second chance.

“It has been difficult watching from the sidelines. I’m not the best watcher, so it has been a case of listening to what the gaffer says, do what he wants and work hard,” he said.

“Every footballer wants to play. No-one wants to be turning up at the training ground to work and then come 3pm on a Saturday you’re sitting in the stands “That has happened to me a couple of times and it is a very lonely place to be, to be honest. It was a dark time for me. I was on the sidelines thinking I could be fifth, sixth, seventh or even eighth choice at one stage.

“I told the gaffer I was willing to work for my place as long I was getting a fair crack of the whip. I mentioned going on loan, but he said to sit tight and stay patient.

“I came on in a few games and after a few performances he said there was no chance I was going on loan. It was music to my ears.

“I signed a three year contract because I want to be a Brentford player. That hasn’t changed. Hopefully, I’ll get some more game time between now and the end of the season, and help the boys move up the league.”

Saunders has enjoyed a steady transition in to League football, which could see him take to the turf at former Premier League giants Leeds United less than five years after quitting non-League Athletic.

But the former QPR trainee insists that provides no added incentive to keeping his place in the side.

“Everyone wants to play at grounds like that, but if you asked all the boys, as long as they’re playing they don’t care if their playing at Brentford, Yeovil or Walsall, “ he added.

“The boys are confident and with the size of the squad, none of the boys are going to be slack because if they are they will be out.

“Everyone is training like they play at the moment to make sure they get their shirt for Saturday and we’ll be giving it our all for the last 15 games.”