Downes wants new blood up front

Wally Downes today admitted he is searching for a new striker to combat Brentford's goalscoring problems.

His side squandered several good chances in last night's 0-0 draw with Plymouth and Downes is anxious to increase his options in attack.

The Bees manager said: "It's a case of seeing which players are available. We have to find clubs with big enough squads to carry players who aren't getting a game.

"This means looking to Premiership teams for a loan deal."

Despite the stalemate, Brentford remain eighth in the table and Downes is happy with the overall progress his young squad are making. He added: "The players should go into Saturday's game with Blackpool as if they had won against Plymouth. I was pleased with the way they performed even though I was disappointed with the result.

"We took the game to them and, for all the energy and effort we put in, I feel sorry for our boys that we didn't get the win."

Defender Ibrahima Sonko missed the game as his return flight from Senegal - where he was on Under-21 duty - was cancelled, but he should be available for Saturday.