Brentford boss Mark Warburton has revealed midfielder Alex Pritchard is the victim of his own success after sitting out Tuesday's 2-1 Championship defeat at Watford.

The 21-year-old, an instant hit since arriving on-loan at Griffin Park from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, was relegated to the bench in midweek as the manager handed Toumani Diagouraga a return to the starting line-up against his former club.

Pritchard, who eventually came on for the Frenchman, was called into the England U21 set-up during the last international break, making his debut at that level against Lithuania on September 5.

He is lilkely to be named in the squad preparing to take on Croatia in a two-legged play-off to reach next summer's European Championship finals later this month.

And Warburton, former academy manager with the Hornets, reckoned it is vital to tread carefully with the development of young talent.

"I'm very conscious the England U21 squad is named on Thursday and if Alex Pritchard is named in it again, he won't be getting a break over the international period when other players are," said the manager on Tuesday.

"He's 21 years old and we have a duty of care to ensure we look after him and he is rested.

"Also, Toumani Diagouraga has been outstanding in training and deserved a start against his old club.

"I thought he might come here with a point to prove and he really impressed.”

Brentford host Reading on Saturday.