Bees boss Marinus Dijkhuizen is hoping his new signings will bring the spirit so sorely missing in last weekend’s defeat to Reading.

He described the 3-1 result at Griffin Park as “very disappointing”, and it means the Bees have picked up one win in four Championship games, leaving them 18th in the table.

However, to rectify the situation, Dijkhuizen has made a double swoop for striker Marco Djuricin on loan from Red Bull Salzburg, and midfielder Ryan Woods on a permanent three-year deal from Shrewsbury Town.

The pair have eight more days to settle in ahead of the resumption of hostilities at Leeds United when the international break is over.

Dijkhuizen said: “I was not happy how we were playing against Reading and I thought the team needed some spirit. It was very disappointing, especially in the first half.

“Alan [McCormack] came on to give some spirit and energy in the game and at the break I put Josh Clarke on to give us some more speed. I think the guys that came in did a good job.”

He added: “We don’t have strikers on the bench and you need some. It was the same last week [against Burnley] so I’m glad Marco is coming over. He makes good runs behind the backline. I’m happy with his arrival.”

Woods also appears to fit the boss’s need for sparkle.

Woods said: “I’m somebody who likes to get on the ball an awful lot.

“I love to create chances for my team and that’s what people can expect from me.”

Meanwhile, Scott Hogan has signed a one-year extension to his contract, and Herson Rodrigues Alves has joined Hampton & Richmond on a month’s loan.

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