Brentford defender Aaron Hickey said he is enjoying having more attacking freedom in his new role at left-back, which he displayed in Brentford’s 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Arsenal. 

Hickey recorded one key pass, two shots and three dribbles from the left-hand side - a position he has switched to since the injury to Rico Henry earlier this month.  

Despite playing there regularly for both of his former clubs, Hearts and Bologna, it is a new role for Hickey at Brentford, and he is looking forward to building on his first two appearances on the left.

"It's good to be back [on that side] because I used to be a left-back, so I’m just getting used to that in a different team and trying to build relationships on that side,” he said. 

When asked if he has enjoyed getting some more attacking license, he added: “Yeah, especially tonight in the wing-back position, it allows me to get forward and that's what Thomas wanted.  

“I’m just trying to do my best for the team.” 

And Hickey was pleased with Brentford’s performance - especially in the second half - despite the loss at Gtech Community Stadium on Wednesday. 

“I thought it was actually a really good performance, especially the second half,” he said. 

“I thought we came into the game, we did much better. In the last game against Everton, we were really poor, so we wanted to try and bounce back tonight. 

“It wasn’t the result we wanted but I think the performance was better.”