Brentford striker Mike Grella hopes his fantastic four goals in Tuesday’s 6-0 thrashing of AFC Bournemouth leads to an extended run in the side.

The 24-year-old American had a night to remember as he marked his first full game for the Bees in style as boss Uwe Rosler’s men remained on course for a second successive Wembley appearance in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Grella, who switched to Griffin Park from Leeds United in August, has been forced to bide his time for an opportunity to impress – making just six appearances from the bench to go with his two starts so far.

But he admitted his heroics do not assure him a third start this weekend.

“I’ve come here to play. Every player here wants to play games. If I’m not playing on Saturday I’ll be disappointed,” he said.

“But you have to respect what the manager says and the team he picks.

“At the end of the day it is a long season and it is much more important we accomplish something together.”

The result leaves Brentford as the only League One side in the southern half of the trophy draw and favourites to reach the final.

The Bees entertain Basingstoke Town in the FA Cup on Saturday, but Grella knows where the priorities lie for Rosler’s men.

“Of course, we want to do well in the FA Cup and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy,” he added.

“But the main focus is to do well in the league and really push to get in the play-offs, which I think this team is capable of.”