Scott Hogan has a number of similarities with former Brentford striker Andre Gray, according to squad members who played with both.
Hogan has been prolific for the Bees, bagging 14 goals in 19 games, since returning from his anterior cruciate ligament injury in March, while Gray had a successful 15 months at Griffin Park, scoring 18 goals in 47 league games for the club.
And Nico Yennaris, who travelled to Burnley v Arsenal and watched the game with Gray as he serves his ban for historical Twitter posts, believes that the pair are similar, although Hogan's earlier experiences have helped him more.
He said: “They're similar players. Andre is a bit more physical than Scott but we've seen how clinical he is.
“Andre got himself a good amount of goals but he didn't have that experience that Scotty has.
“The transition was probably hard for Andre. He is flying now and I'm delighted for him and who knows where Scotty can go if he keeps the form up.”
Hogan v Gray
19
Scott Hogan games
14
Scott Hogan goals
49
Andre Gray games
19
Andre Gray goals
League (and play-off) games only
As for dealing with Hogan in training, Yennaris described the striker as a 'nightmare' and would not even begin to guess how many goals the striker would get this season.
The midfielder said: “He's a nightmare, in a good way. I'd say he saves it for matches but that's a typical striker. He's been on fire.
“We saw a glimpse last season and everyone saw how lethal he was. It's great for the boys to have him fit for the beginning of the season.
“We've seen a glimpse of what he can do. Who knows how many goals he can get this year. We've all seen with Andre what he can do.”
Defender Harlee Dean believes that Hogan is more clinical in front of goal but Gray will pose the greater physical danger.
And the Bees skipper is thoroughly enjoying playing with Hogan.
He said: “They're different. You know that if Scott gets in front of goal, he's going to score. With Andre you didn't.
“Andre uses his strength to push people off the ball and get past them. Scott doesn't want to feel them. He wants to run away from them.
“I've never felt so confident playing with a striker before. If we supply him he's going to score goals and it's a great feeling on the pitch.
“You can ask Scott but he is usually in my back pocket in training. When it comes to games he turns it on and he's one of the top scorers in the Championship.”
