Brentford head coach Lee Carsley had thought he'd stepped down last week as the club's most successful manager, but the uncertainty over his replacement means his record is back on the line.

Carsley, who takes his side to Bolton Wanderers tonight, relinquished his role last weekend with a 55 per cent win record from his nine games in charge.

Talks with Swansea City assistant boss Pep Clotet broke down on Friday meaning the 41-year-old former Bees development squad manager, who had taken charge of training last week, was thrust back into the spotlight.

Walsall boss Dean Smith is now favourite to step into the ex-Everton midfielder's shoes on a permanent basis as the saga of replacing departed Marinus Dijkhuizen continues.

Bees owner Matthew Benham is reported to have made an official approach to the Saddlers, who Smith took to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final last season.

And the deal could go through in time for Saturday's visit of MK Dons providing talks go smoothly.

Despite the upheavel, Carsley believes his squad is capable of putting the uncertainty behind them at the Macron stadium tonight.

“Preparations have gone very well ahead of Monday’s game at Bolton Wanderers,” he said.

“We have been able to have a good look at Bolton and what they are doing and develop a game plan around their strengths and weaknesses.

"I am expecting a tough game because it is a tough place to play. They are a team with a lot of quality throughout it, they are very physical, so it is important that we match them in that side of the game.

"We have some technically very good players, but it is important that they stand up to the challenge they are going to be up against.”