Ryan Woods believes he will become a better player from facing the likes of Newcastle star Jonjo Shelvey.

The former Liverpool man was the best player on the pitch on Saturday and drove the Magpies on for 90 minutes.

The Brentford midfielder plays in a similar position to Shelvey and, while he doesn't see many similarities between his and the Newcastle star's game, he will always look to learn.

Woods said: “He's been there and he's done it. He's a household name. He's a very good footballer and it's good for me and the other lads to play against those players like that as it's only going to make us better.

“Hopefully we can play against players like that every week as it's only going to make us better.

Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United (12) smiles at Dwight Gale after Dwight scored the third Newcastle goal
Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United (12) smiles at Dwight Gale after Dwight scored the third Newcastle goal

"I'm a different player to him, although we play in a similar position.

“I want to develop my own game and I'll be looking to do that now with the next couple of days before Derby. I want to be best player I can be.”

Woods was left puzzled as to why Brentford continue to struggle at the start of games, where they have been, more often than not, on the back foot.

He added: “The first half wasn't great if we're going to be honest. They were much the better side and deserved to be in front.

“The second half was encouraging in that we got a goal back and we were still persistent in what we do.

“I'm not too sure (why we start so slowly) to be honest. We just seem to be slow to get started and I don't know why. It's something we'll talk about and work on.

“Hopefully we can make that stop. After the difficult first half it was encouraging to get the goal.

“We're not going to change the way we play. We're a very attacking side. Sometimes it doesn't go our way. We'll be looking to start games brighter.”