Alan Connell has warned Brentford FC he is fighting fit and will be gunning for them on Boxing Day.

The popular 25-year-old striker left the Bees for Bournemouth in August after netting 12 goals in 43 games for the Bees.

But almost immediately he was struck down by an injury which kept him sidelined until finally making his Cherries debut in last week's FA Cup exit to Blyth Spartans.

And having finally got onto the pitch, Connell admits he will be raring to go when Bournemouth visit Griffin Park tomorrow.

He said: "I'm looking forward to coming back. I had a great time at Brentford, but I'm 100 per cent a Bournemouth player now.

"I'm coming back to fitness and I'll be ready. It's been a long road, but it was great to finally make my debut. I'm available for selection and hopefully I'll get my chance.

"It's all about getting the three points and helping us stay up. That's all I'm interested in, but I wish Brentford all the best after Boxing Day."

Indeed, Connell insists he holds no grudge against the club, or boss Andy Scott.

One of the most skillful strikers Brentford have had in years, there was something of an outcry when he was let go so early in a season when the Bees would be aiming for promotion.

But the good form of Charlie MacDonald and Nathan Elder, which had kept Connell on the bench, has since kept the supporters happy.

He said: "I was disappointed the way things turned out. Everyone has their opinions in football, and I would've been happy to stay.

"By the end I felt no matter what I did the gaffer had his first-choice partnership in mind, and the goalposts had moved.

"But I still look out for their results, and they've got a decent chance of the play-offs. Andy Scott has done a great job.

"The fans were great too. I'm proud to say I played for Brentford, and I always gave 100 per cent."

Connell is expecting a bit of banter before the serious stuff starts, and he may be tempted to share a few memories from his time with the Bees too.

He added: ÒPeady (Craig Pead) and Smudger (Gary Smith) are the main two I keep in touch with at Brentford.

"I'm sure there will be a bit of mickey-taking going on before the game. There's a good dressing room at Brentford and the boys were always a good laugh.

"The highlight of my time there was our nine-game unbeaten run. We had some great wins over Wrexham in Andy Scott's first game where I scored twice.

"The goal against Chester also sticks out."