David Weir has told Lewis Macleod he won’t necessarily go straight into Brentford’s team on a regular basis and must earn his place.
The midfielder completed his switch from Rangers yesterday when the January transfer window opened both in Scotland and England.
Moving for £850,000 with add-ons taking the fee to a possible £1.3million over time, Macleod has transferred for much less than many felt he should have.
Bees assistant manager Weir the Light Blues’ captain for two and a half years between 2009 and 2012 knows his club has landed a bargain.
But he is adamant every player at Griffin Park has to work his way into boss Mark Warburton’s starting XI on merit.
The London outfit is challenging for promotion into the English Premiership for the first time and Weir believes Macleod can help take them there.
He was challenged the 20-year-old to prove it and warned him he faces tough competition to hold down a spot in the side.
Weir said: “We say to all our players they have to earn the right to be in our team and whoever is training best and playing best in games will be involved.
“We are fortunate we have got a lot of good midfield players and Lewis will add to that but he must earn his place.
“I don’t think he would want it to be any different. We won’t guarantee anybody a start and while we think a lot of Lewis, we think a lot of other players too.”
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