Brentford assistant coach Alan Kernaghan revealed goal hero Saido Berahino was close to being left out of Tuesday's 2-0 triumph over Exeter City.

The 18-year-old West Bromwich Albion loan star struck either side of half time as the Bees bounced back from Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Yeovil Town.

And Kernaghan, a recent addition to boss Uwe Rosler's back room staff, admitted that it could easily have been someone else on the scoresheet.

"We had to ponder over who we started with in terms of our front two, but we just felt Saido could do something special for us and that is why he got the nod," he said.

"We feel we have got three forwards - more than three actually - and we could have picked any combination really."

Brentford, playing an attractive brand of passing football, never really looked under threat and were even more comfortable once Exeter skipper David Noble saw red in the second half after catching Harlee Dean with a flying elbow.

The result puts the Bees on the front foot ahead of Saturday's visit of Sheffield United and Kernaghan is just after a consistent run to line-up a play-off challenge.

"We need for or five wins on the trot," he added.

"That will put us if not in the play-offs, then certainly within touching distance of them.

"We feel confident when we are at home as recent results have shown and we hope we can continue that run of form."