Brentford assistant coach Alan Kernaghan has backed striker Clayton Donaldon to fill the goal scoring void left by Gary Alexander’s shock exit.

The 32-year-old, who had scored 14 goals for the Bees this term, joined League Two Crawley Town on Thursday on-loan for the rest of the season with a view to making the move permanent.

Donaldson has struggled to find the net since joining from Crewe Alexandra, but Kernaghan believes that is about to change.

“He needs one to go in off his back side or something like that, and then he will be on his way,” he said.

“We have got every confidence that will happen.

“You don’t score as many goals as he did last season without being a good finisher.”

Alexander was out of contract in the summer and Rosler, who will reinvest the money raised in the playing squad, believed the move was in everyone’s best interests.

“We made him a good offer for him to stay here, but he was unsettled by interest from elsewhere,” he added.

“After discussions it became clear the best option for all parties was that he moved on.

“It is vitally important we only have players at Brentford who want to be at the club.

“Those who do not will be allowed to leave but only on our terms.”