Brentford boss Mark Warburton has backed new signing Betinho to fill the boots of crocked striker Scott Hogan.
The Sporting Lisbon forward was brought in on loan on transfer deadline day after Hogan suffered a serious knee injury in the 2-0 win at Rotherham a fortnight ago.
Betinho could make his debut against Brighton on Saturday and Warburton says the Portuguese U21 ace fits the bill.
He said: “Our hand was forced with Scott’s injury. You want to try and replace like for like. You don’t want to go out and a replace a 5ft 6in Aguero-type with someone like Peter Crouch.
“We wanted to find someone who replicates Scott’s power and finishing ability. We’ve got Nick Proshcwitz in terms of aerial ability and Andre Gray, who is raw.
“We think Betinho mirrors Scott Hogan. He’s a very talented boy and, from watching him in the NextGen Series, he can finish for fun.
“He is a natural player with an eye for goal and will benefit from the intensity. He will get his chance.”
Hogan was stretchered off on his league debut for the Bees following his £750,000 move from Rochdale in the summer.
The 22-year-old went under the knife earlier this week and faces up to nine months on the sidelines.
“It’s a serious injury, there’s no masking that,” added Warburton. “There will be some dark days but the players and staff will rally around him.
“Hopefully the time flies by. He’s a talented boy who’s hungry to play at the highest level. They say a cruciate injury is between six to nine months, but we’re not going to rush him back. He’s got a great future.”
Keep up to date with all the build-up, matchday and post-game reaction to Brentford v Brighton right here on GetWestLondon
