Brentford co-director of football Phil Giles has vowed that the Bees are going to do everything they can to qualify for the Championship play-offs.

However, the club will also take a pragmatic approach and be looking at players to play in next season's second tier.

Brentford are seven points adrift of sixth place going into the latter stages of the season but stranger things have happened and Giles is not giving up hope just yet.

He said: “We're going to do what we can to get in the play-offs but at the same time we've got to be pragmatic.

“We're not going to be scouting Premier League players but we need to focus on the likely scenario and act accordingly.”

With that in mind, it would not be a surprise to see the current crop of players given a chance to see if they can be trusted to launch a charge for promotion next season.

Needs time: Lasse Vibe

Giles added: “We want to give those players as much time as possible, as it takes time to establish if they are good enough or not.

“Nico Yennaris moved here in 2014 and it took him the best part of two years to establish himself into the team.

“It'll influence our decision on any loans. We don't want to develop players for other clubs. We want to give our players the opportunity.

“You've got Lewis Macleod and Scott Hogan who are coming back. We need to give them a chance and see what they can do.”

Hogan has been out since August 2014 with two anterior cruciate ligament problems and is stepping up a return, with Brentford hoping to see him get a few games towards the back end of the campaign.

Missing: Scott Hogan

Giles added: “I'm not putting a date on it but, before the end of the season, I'd like to think he'd be back in training.

“Whether he plays or not comes down to Dean. He's not played since August 2014. There's no pressure for him to come in and score goals straight away.”

Macleod is available for selection after a year out with hamstring injuries and Giles is hoping he can get up to speed quickly.

He added: “Lewis has been out for over a year and he played in the second tier in Scotland. They have to get match-fit and adapt after coming in.”