Cup competitions are an excellent way for youngsters and fringe players to stake a claim for a spot in the first team, and this week’s Carabao Cup fixtures have seen a number of stars put forward their argument for a starting league spot.

One man in particular who has shined is Brentford’s Romaine Sawyers, who having not even been chosen from the bench in Saturday’s defeat at Sheffield United, put in a wonderful display as the Bees bested AFC Wimbledon in extra time.

Sawyers was one of the best players on the park in last night’s fixture, and capped off his performance with a goal to level the match in the second half.

Manager Dean Smith already has a number of selection headaches to deal with, and Sawyers has only added to the thoughts of the former Walsall boss.

Brentford looked sluggish at times as they fell to defeat in Sheffield, and Smith may consider changes this weekend when Nottingham Forest visit Griffin Park.

Sawyers is certainly an option Smith will ponder, and the St Kitts and Nevis international will be keen to force himself back into the reckoning having been left out at Bramall Lane.

It could be Josh McEachran who makes way following a very average performance, and if Sawyers does force his way into the starting lineup, he must ensure his quality prevails and he impresses enough to be considered indispensable for following fixtures.

If Sawyers is to enjoy a solid run of form, the time is now, and with competition at the west London outfit so rife this season, player’s cannot afford to slack.

Sawyers should be given a shot this weekend, and look to continue on his strong cup performance.

Should Sawyers be given the nod this weekend, Bees fans?