8:00am Friday 24th February 2012
By Stuart Amos
Harlee Dean might not have imagined he would score his first league goal in front of 5,000 fans at Griffin Park, but the Southampton loan star hopes it is the first of many.
The 20-year-old defender’s header opened the scoring in Monday’s 4-0 triumph over Carlisle United – a game that will be remembered for West Brom loanee Saido Berahino’s debut double.
Dean is a lifelong West Ham United fan, having grown up in that end of London, and had dreamed he would net his first goal at Upton Park.
“You always dream about playing for the team you have been brought up supporting in front of 30,000 fans,” he said.
“But I’m more than pleased to score for Brentford against Carlisle. It was a big game, I scored at a good time and it set us on our way to a good victory.
“It would have been nice to score at Upton Park but you can’t beat this.”
Essex-born Dean, who was with Dagenham & Redbridge before his 2010 switch to Saints, was currently using the Continental Hotel as his base – along with fellow loan stars Jake Bidwell and Berahino.
And he admitted he is more than comfortable to pay his dues on the loan circuit – particularly with the Bees.
“At Dagenham I did all the rounds with the Essex clubs so I’m used to it,” he added.
“Coming on loan isn’t too difficult. I felt welcome here straight away and I like to get involved in the banter.
“Staying in the hotel is easy because I get breakfast, get my washing done and it is only five minutes from training. I can’t complain.”
The Bees were 3-0 up at half time, but a smart save from substitute keeper Simon Moore was crucial.
“Without that save, you never know what might have happened,” added Dean.
“Simon is a great keeper and I think he can go on to have a great future in the game.”
Brentford travel to Scunthorpe United on Saturday and boss Uwe Rosler, who is sweating on the fitness of Gary Alexander and Shaleum Logan, is expecting a tough test.
“It will be a physical battle and we have to show we can compete that way,” he added.
© Copyright 2001-2013 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.streathamguardian.co.uk
http://www.streathamguardian.co.uk/trade_directory/