Alan Judge has promised to find his shooting boots once more as the race for promotion to the Premier League hots up.

The summer signing from Blackburn has been one of Brentford's most important players this season but has only scored one goal, in the 4-0 hammering of Wolves in November.

By contrast, Judge netted eight goals in his four-month loan spell with the Bees last season, and hit the same amount in each of his previous three campaigns.

However, the Bees man's contributions are evident by his joint-third placing in the Championship assists list with nine – the same as Wes Hoolahan but one less than Michael Antonio, and three less than Matt Ritchie.

Spot on: Judge celebrates scoring the penalty that took Brentford up last season

He said: “I'm pleased with how the season has gone for me, and know I'm near the top of the assists charts, but I haven't got anywhere near as many goals as I'd have liked.

“For the last three years I have got eight goals and 13-14 assists, so I've got a few more assists to go to reach my average, and I really need to get amongst the goals again.

“But to be honest, if I don't score any but keep setting them up for the other boys and we keep doing well, I'll take that too.”

Judge unsurprisingly played a part in Brentford's goal at Portman Road on Saturday, crossing for Stuart Dallas, whose shot was parried by the home keeper for Jonathan Douglas to head home.

The pain game: Judge was injured in the FA Cup defeat to Brighton in January

It was only a third start of 2015 for the Irishman, who was sidelined for six weeks with an knee injury, but admits he came back into the fold a lot sooner than expected.

He added: “Injuries like the one I had normally take 12 weeks to recover from, but I was back in six. The physio team did a great job and I'm feeling good at the moment.

“The gaffer really wanted me to play against Bournemouth a few weeks back, and I was feeling ready so we went for it. It was a big relief to be back playing again as I had played in every game before I got injured.

“To me, it's a case of proving a few things to myself. It was always going to be an important season for me, as people may have questioned if I had what it takes to play in the Championship.”