Dean Smith has been much happier with the intensity of his Brentford squad on the training pitch this week.

The Brentford head coach was unhappy in the build-up to the 3-0 defeat against Brighton but has seen a renewed sense of purpose at the club's Jersey Road base.

And he revealed that there has been a 'back to basics' approach to training in the run-up to Saturday's trip to Sheffield Wednesday.

He said: “I wasn't happy with training on the Thursday ahead of Brighton. The intensity in training has been brilliant this week.

“The players took it on board, worked really hard and gone back to basics.

“The only nasty bits on the video were the goals and some of our play could have been better. We've spoken about being more forward thinking. They were poor goals for us to concede.”

Inspiration: Scott Hogan

Smith has been using returning striker Scott Hogan as someone to look up to as the former Rochdale man bids to return to action for the first time since August 2014 after two cruciate ligament injuries, not that he will be considered for the trip to Hillsborough.

He added: Scott Hogan has really impressed in training but we've got kid gloves with him. He needs to play in a few development games.

“He's really impressed in training and the frustration of him being out for so long is there for all to see. We have to treat him very carefully.

“We made a point to the players about making the most of every session as Scott will tell you every time about what it's like when you're not. He's a bundle of enthusiasm out there.

“The three things I ask from players are always attitude, application and enthusiasm. From Scott, you get that.”

Josh McEachran and Anthony Knockaert

Josh McEachran returned to training after being forced off at Brighton with a hip injury and could play a part at Sheffield Wednesday.

Smith added: “He's put himself in contention by training today. In my head, I have to think about whether he's a starter or for a certain amount of minutes.

“I've got to decide whether he can last 90 minutes. I don't want to play someone if I know I have to take them off and waste a substitute.”

If McEachran misses out, then it could mean a first start for Lewis Macleod, who made his long awaited Brentford debut against Brighton last week.

The Bees head coach said: “I believe it has lifted him. He's looked bright in training but he has done in the last few weeks.

Nearing return: Alan McCormack

“The third goal was irrelevant as we're looking to try and get back into the game. We didn't but it gives him a big boost that he's been on the pitch.”

Alan McCormack will miss Saturday's game but return to training next week after a calf injury.

Smith revealed: “It'd be good to have Alan back. He's had a couple of knockbacks with his calf injury. It'll be nice to have him back in training next week.”