Andreas Bjelland gave Brentford fans a glimpse of his abilities with an outstanding performance against Brighton.

The Dane, who missed the whole of last season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Oxford, came on for the injured Callum Elder at half-time to play in an unfamiliar left back role.

He was up against Anthony Knockaert, who ripped Brentford to shreds back in February, and the Dane kept the Seagulls forward out of the game, despite having limited experience at full back.

“I think I did okay when I came in. I think there was a lot of space to play in. We were calm on the ball and I had space to walk in and find the free man. It was a good 45 minutes to get going,” Bjelland said.

“I've played at left back a couple of times before. I think I played there once in the Dutch league when I was younger.

“It's just one spot from my own spot if you can say it like that. I have my left foot. I like to play football and you get more time on the ball there. It was a good half for me to get back.”

Harlee Dean

Bjelland's main position is at centre half but, given the form of Harlee Dean and John Egan, it is going to be tough for him to break into the first team and Yoann Barbet's return adds extra competition.

He said: “It's always healthy for football players to have competition. We train every day to get the spot on the Saturday or Tuesday.

“It's good for everyone and keeps them sharp. You have to wait for opportunities and then take them.”

Bjelland could be drafted in at left back for Wednesday's trip to Aston Villa depending on the fitness of Elder and Tom Field and he admitted it was a struggle at Brighton.

He explained: “That's going to be a long game. I was struggling at Brighton as it was tough. There's a lot more running and you have to be on your toes. I've been training a lot for this so I'm ready if I'm playing.”