Kevin O'Connor is convinced Jordan Rhodes could prove to be the final part of the jigsaw in the push for promotion.

Brentford's most experienced player likes what he's seen of the youngster so far.

And in common with boss Andy Scott and the away fans who revelled in Rhodes' hattrick in the opening 29 minutes at Shrewsbury on Saturday, will be eager for him to stay on at Griffin park until the end of the season.

It was the first hat-trick from a Brentford player since Lloyd Owusu's treble at Southend United in April 1999 _ one of two he hit against the Shrimpers that season, by the way, and one of three he hit during the campaign.

Rhodes served notice of his capabilities in the midweek win over Aldershot, netting on his home debut.

But he looked a class apart in claiming a 'perfect' treble with a right foot lob, some left foot opportunism after a defensive howler and a fine header from Adam Newton's cross.

"He could be the extra dimension we need because he gives us something a bit different I think," O'Connor told the Gazette.

"He's a big asset to have. "He has an eye for goal and as long as we can keep him, it gives the manager more options up front. That can only be good for the team.

"His first game last week was a bit of an eye-opener for him, I bet, but since then he was brilliant on Tuesday, getting a great individual goal and today it was just an amazing performance.

"It was a perfect hat-trick. For the first, he showed a bit of class and the second goal was brilliant. The second goal, he showed an eye for goal by getting in the right area and for the third, Newts did really well down the right to set up his header."

Rhodes was 'a constant threat,' according to Scott, who said phone calls to Ipswich had already been made before the game about extending the initial one month loan.

"We've asked the question and we're hopeful of getting something tied up.

"That's the first of many senior hat-tricks for him. He's going to go on to be a top, top player. He puts his body on the line for the team.

"This is a good level for him to learn his trade."

O'Connor's enthusiasm for Rhodes' performance was understandable, but one of the major reasons why the Bees were so commanding at the Prostar Stadium in that opening half was the way O'Connor and Marcus Bean locked up the midfield to stifle the life out of the Shrews.

It did look at one stage as if this might be a season too far for the former Republic of Ireland U21, who struggled to win a starting place, but he is proving highly dependable now and gives central midfield a settled look.

"I'm really enjoying it," O'Connor said.

"Me and Marcus are getting to know each other's game really well. We seem to know where each other is and we are both happy to do the ugly side of the game.

"The major bonus for the team is the amount of goals he's scored. He does all the hard work, but still seems to be popping up in the right areas at the minute to score crucial goals as well.

"He's doing really well and we appreciate it. He deserves the success he gets because he works hard."

Reflecting on the way the Shrews were brushed aside, O'Connor said: "I think it was our best away performance of the season.

"It was a very good first half for us and even on the second half we created some good chances.I thought we were always pretty comfortable but we had to show good character to make sure there were no more goals and a tense finale after they scored."

O'Connor added: "We are all pleased to have reacted so well to last week's defeat at Macclesfield. We were all disappointed by the at game and it helped to have games so soon.

"We got a good result on Tuesday and it was good to carry that on again.

"Every game we step out in, we believe we can win. But this result is going to give us more confidence.

"Shrewsbury was a tricky place to come to because they've got a good home record.

"Away games like that shape a season and tell you if you are on the right track. We are looking to push on now."

Saturday Details SHREWSBURY (0) 1 BEES (3) 3 Line-up: Hamer; Halls, Bennett (Osborne 73), Phillips, Dickson; Newton (Williams 73), O'Connor, Bean, Wood; Rhodes, MacDonald. Subs not used: Brown, Poole, Hunt. Attendance: 5,674 GOALS: Rhodes (2, 17, 29), Holt (68). MoM: Jordan Rhodes

Next Up

CHESTER CITY

Griffin Park Saturday 3pm League Two

Manager: Mark Wright Position last season: 22nd Form Guide: Chester may have thrashed the Bees back in October, but seven home defeats and eight on the road have caused them to drop to 20th in League Two. They started the campaign with a 6-0 defeat at Dagenham and it is just as well Luton and Bournemouth have had points deducted or relegation would be a strong possibility. Their only away wins have been at Grimsby (3-1) and Darlington (2-1). They have gone six games without a win.

Players to look out for: Ryan Lowe, who netted twice against the Bees at the Deva, is top scorer with 13 goals in all competitions. [25a0] Most recent meetings: Chester C 3-0 Brentford (28 Oct 2008); Brentford 3-0 Chester C (29 Dec 2007); Chester C 0-2 Brentford (22 Sep 2008) - League Two.

Head-to-head record: BEES Wins: 21 CC Wins: 9 Draws: 15 [25a0] Match Facts: The Bees have only lost nine of 45 clashes with City and before this season's loss had not lost in nine meetings. Chester last won at Griffin Park (1-0) in September 1990. The Bees hammered City 6-0 at home in March 1979, when Steve Phillips hit a hat-trick. Allan Glover (2) and Andy McCulloch were the other scorers.

Forecast: Revenge for that crushing defeat at the Deva Stadium earlier this season. A nailed-on home win.