Alan McCormack is delighted after taking his chance to shine in Brentford's 4-1 win over Reading on Tuesday night.

The midfielder made his first league appearance this season and his first in all competitions since August and produced a typical all-action performance as he ran the midfield with Nico Yennaris.

And he admitted to being frustrated about his time out of the side but channelled his frustrations into performing on the training ground and against Reading.

McCormack said: “It's tough when you're not playing and stuff and you're not getting minutes at the weekend.

“Inside, you're angry and you're annoyed and you can't understand why as you just want to play.

“I've been disappointed and unhappy like most people would be in that situation. I've tried to enjoy myself and still be patient.

Ryan Woods of Brentford

“I knew a chance would come and there would be a time when I'd play and if you sit around sulking and not enjoying it you do lose track of what you've got to do on a game day.

“I kept myself focused on the pitch and keep your mind off not playing. I've been training as hard as I can. I got through quite a lot of minutes on Wednesday so I'm delighted.”

The form of Ryan Woods has been the main reason why McCormack hasn't been starting but, after the midfielder was banned from the game against Reading after totting up five yellow cards this season, the Irishman was given his chance.

McCormack added: “Woodsy has been quality and has stepped up to another level this year. I don't know whether it's his new contract – he knows he's able to do that and the lads have been excellent.

“That's another reason we can't say too much when we're not playing as they're performing so well. “You just pray to get some minutes and it's up to the manager to pick a side for Saturday that he thinks will win the game.

“I want to be in the team every weekend, play every minute and kick every ball. That's the type of player I am. I'm ready to play on Saturday (against Wigan). I'm ready to go – we'll see what happens.”