Alan McCormack admitted he was ashamed with his and Brentford's performance in their 4-1 surrender at Colchester United on Saturday.

Manager Mark Warburton pulled no punches after the game, describing it as the Bees' worst display since he has been in charge.

And defender McCormack agreed, saying putting on such a poor show was not excusable by the fact that Brentford are already promoted.

He added: “What the manager said after the game was the message from the players. Only two or three of us played today. The rest of us were embarrassed with our performance, and I include myself in that.

Shrewsbury Town v Brentford - Sky Bet Football League One
Unhappy: Brentford boss Mark Warburton

“It was disgraceful and we are ashamed. We demand high standards of ourselves, and we did not live up to them. You can afford two or three players having a bad day at the office, but not seven or eight.

“It is the first time we have not shown up at all, and Tony Craig was saying afterwards in the inquest in the dressing room that it was the worst performance he has seen since he's been at the club.

“We've had a lot of plaudits this season, but we have to take the flak too when we don't perform – the fact we are already up is no excuse. We are desperate to put on a show next week now to put it right.”