Tony Craig is happy to be making up for lost time as he edges closer to landing a new contract at Brentford.

The former Millwall and Crystal Palace defender is in talks with the club over extending his stay at Griffin Park, having just forced his way back into boss Mark Warburton’s starting line-up.

The 29-year-old saw red in a 1-1 draw with Birmingham City earlier in the season and was forced to wait his turn before reclaiming his position at the heart of Brentford’s back four.

Craig, who is fast approaching 100 league appearances for the club, has played the majority of his career at full back, but was converted to centre half under former boss Uwe Rosler.

The Bees have conceded just two goals since he returned to the starting line-up and Craig helped the club to back-to-back 0-0 draws at Wigan Athletic and at home to Sheffield Wednesday this week.

And, while he admits he is not yet the finished article in his relatively new position, he hopes Bees fans are yet to see the best of him.

“The red card was all down to me and I cannot blame anyone else for that one,” said Craig, left.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t get back in straight away, but I got a chance against Leeds United.

“Since then it has gone OK and as long as you are playing you are going to be happy.

“This is only my third full season at centre half, people forget that. I’m still learning.

“It is different challenges every week against different players and I want to challenge myself against good players and you certainly get that in the Championship.”

He added: “I’ve enjoyed my spell here and there have been no broken promises since I signed.

“There has been a massive transformation at the club on and off the pitch. It is a good place to work at the moment. Everyone has a smile on their face.

“The club is going up. The new stadium is a big factor. The football we are playing is enticing more fans in to watch week in, week out and hopefully the more the merrier.”