Dean Smith has insisted that Philipp Hofmann is still in his plans, despite omitting him from the matchday squad for the 1-0 defeat to Rotherham.

Brentford went into the game with Scott Hogan as the main striker, while Lasse Vibe, who can play there, in the supporting role.

The Dane was always unlikely to complete 90 minutes after returning from the Rio Olympics but Smith elected to not have an out-and-out striker on the bench.

The 23-year-old played eight minutes at Huddersfield and 77 minutes at Exeter where he was in Ethan Ampadu's back pocket so far this season.

Dean Smith

Under Smith last season, the 23-year-old German played 282 minutes, completing the full 90 only once at Sheffield Wednesday, as he was affected by injury.

Despite the lack of game-time, Smith insisted that Hofmann remains in his plans but he felt he had better options including Emmanuel Ledesma, who is with the club on a non-contract basis at the moment.

He said: “It's just the numbers I have at the moment. Some really good players are going to miss out at the moment.

“I've got Hogan on the pitch and Vibe who can go down the middle. I've got Ledesma who can come on and (Romaine) Sawyers can go down the middle.

“All the players are in my plans but I decided on that bench today.”

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