There were high-hopes for Dru Yearwood when he first arrived at Brentford from League One side Southend United. 

The young midfielder made his competitive debut for the Bees against Middlesbrough in August, but hasn't featured since a defeat to Cambridge United in the Carabao Cup.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World's Chief Editor Sam Rourke, Brentford's B team Assistant Coach Sam Saunders has issued a timely update on as to why Yearwood hasn't featured much for the first-team this season.

"He's had a bit of a stop-start period since he's been here with us to be honest, which is unfortunate because he arrived here and he was behind the fitness levels of the other boys.

"He ended up playing a B team game for us and did really well, scoring two goals. He got injured in that game though and he's only just getting back to full fitness now.

Saunders is remaining confident that the midfielder can return to the first-team soon though, but it is dependent on how quickly he can pick up his fitness levels.

"So unfortunately for Dru, he's had a stop-start time with the club. Hopefully he can get a consistent level of fitness and training with the first-team and along with some B team games, we can get him back into the first-team fold sooner rather than later."

Brentford are next in action against Barnsley, in what will be a tough test for Thomas Frank's side at Oakwell, as they look to find some consistency in their results.