Dean Smith has, once again, insisted there was no value in Brentford signing a Scott Hogan replacement in January.

The Bees were forced to play Romaine Sawyers in a false nine position against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday due to injuries to Lasse Vibe and Philipp Hofmann.

Fans have questioned the lack of Hogan replacement but the Bees head coach insisted that is was the right organisational decision.

He said: “There was no value in the strikers in January. To replace Scott, we'd have to pay a lot of money.”

Brentford did go back to Crystal Palace to try and bring Sullay Kaikai back to Griffin Park after his recall at the start of January but the Eagles said no. That said, a frontman will be the priority in the summer.

Brace: Sullay Kaikai

“We tried Crystal Palace but they wanted to keep him. Things we tried didn't happen so you're left with the hand you're dealt with,” Smith added.

“It'll be a priority in the summer and our recruitment team are working on it at the moment.

Smith has backed Sawyers to shine in the advanced role but knows it is not the role he is best suited to.

The head coach explains: “He's done it before. It's not his favoured position or where I brought him in to come and play but needs must and he knows that if he's asked to play there he'll do it to the best of his ability.”

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