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Montpellier coach Rene Girard expects his players to grow in stature during the second half of the season as they chase Ligue 1 title glory.

Girard's side will go into Saturday's home clash with Brest lying in second spot in the table and just three points behind Paris St Germain.

Last weekend's 1-0 success at Nice extended Montpellier's run of victories to four in all competitions since the start of 2012, but Girard believes the best is still to come from his team.

He told RMC Sport: "We've not been doing too badly for three seasons now. We have to keep on working hard in the second half of the season.

"A lot of water will flow under the bridge but I expect my players to grow. The boys are feeling good about themselves."

Girard is not allowing his players to under-estimate Brest, despite the fact they sit only five points above the relegation zone after losing 1-0 at home to PSG last weekend.

He said: "There is a lot of humility but at the moment the players have to be confident about themselves.

"We have to respect our opponents and they'll respect us too."

Girard, whose side have collected 43 points from 21 games, insists his players will be properly prepared to face Brest despite the wave of cold weather which has engulfed France.

He said: "The cold is always a worry. We are faced with issues that we don't usually have - like frost. To train inside isn't ideal.

"This week, we have been able to work much as usual. These are always periods which are a bit difficult whether it's for matches or training.

"We have the opportunity to be physically ready. We are ready."

Brest coach Alex Dupont will be without Jonathan Zebina (back) and Eden Ben Basat (quadriceps) for the trip, but new recruits Abdou Sissoko and Abel Khaled are available.