Brentford boss Uwe Rosler has backed striker Clayton Donaldson to break double figures this season after netting his first goal since January on Saturday.

The 28-year-old notched his sixth goal of the season when he headed home a Sam Saunders cross to added to Toumani Diagouraga's opener, as the Bees ran out 2-0 winners over League One strugglers Rochdale.

Donaldson has struggled to hit the mark on a regular basis this term since switching from League Two Crewe Alexander - where he was prolific - in the summer.

Brentford have struggled to find the net since Gary Alexander's shock exit to Crawley Town, but Rosler has always maintained Donaldson's role is more than simply about goals.

"Clayton always scores the difficult goals. When he doesn’t have to think much and it is an instinctive finish. Like his goals at Notts County and against Tranmere. One touch and bang," he said.

"This time it was just attack the ball and head it. Sometimes when he has to make choices, he doesn’t make the right one. But this was an instinctive finish from a striker in the right place at the right time.

"People have criticised him for the amount of goals he has scored this season, but I always stand by him for what he gives to the team.

"We can play higher up the pitch because people drop back as they are afraid of his speed. Tactically for us he is so important.

"He can still make double figures and if he does I’ll be very happy with his first season in League One."

Donaldson had thought he'd scored when his shot hit the post for Diagouraga to put Brentford in front, but he was to be rewarded.

His last goal came in a 20-2 draw at Tranmere earlier this year and he was always confident he would end the drought.

"It affected me in so much as everyone was saying I needed a goal," he added.

"I was willing to keep working hard. I kept my belief and confidence, but strikers are judged on scoring goals.

"I believe if I get a chance I will take it.

"I wasn't worried too much. I was putting myself in the right areas to miss them."

*Brentford midfielder Adam Forshaw will underwent surgery this week on a broken jaw suffered at Griffin Park on Saturday.

But Rosler was confident he had the resources to cover his absence, despite the loan window closing last week.

"With the loan window closed and Marcus Bean having to come off with his knee, we are a little short in certain areas," he added.

"But that opens the door for some of the younger players like Jake Reeves. I am glad I did not allow him to go out on loan now."