Farid El Alagui paid tribute to Brentford’s medical staff after scoring two goals to give Brentford a Capital One Cup win over Dagenham and Redbridge.
The striker came off the substitutes’ bench to score a brace as Brentford beat the Sky Bet League Two side 3-2 last night.
It was his first appearance in a competitive match at Griffin Park since he was taken off on a stretcher against Crawley Town last October.
Farid had suffered a serious knee injury in that match but after rehabilitation under Head of Medical Neil Greig and his team he made two brief substitute appearances away from home at the end of the 2012/13 season.
He had also picked up an injury that caused him to miss some of pre-season but played for Brentford’s Development Squad against Crystal Palace last Saturday.
He returned to the Griffin Park pitch last night, introduced by Brentford Manager Uwe Rösler early in the second half, and proved to be the difference for The Bees.
“It has been a long way since last October,” said the striker, speaking to Bees Player after the match.
“I am very pleased to be back at Griffin Park and come on for the first time.
“I was lucky to score as well.
“I am pleased to help the team tonight.
“I want to say thank you to the medical staff, they did a great job with me.
“There are no words, but a big thank you to them.
“I am 100 per cent now.
“The gaffer told me he wanted to play me as much as he could in the friendly games but I had an injury that kept me out.
“I couldn’t play that much.
“I played 90 minutes on Saturday and I am 100 per cent.”
Farid said Manager Uwe Rösler had told him to go on and score but also get The Bees higher up the pitch.
Dagenham were 1-0 up when he came on but he profited after the visitors failed to clear a corner.
Paul Hayes put the ball in, Sam Saunders and Stuart Dallas both had shots blocked before Farid pounced.
“He told me to go on and score,” said the striker.
“He wanted me to hold the ball high up so the team could play attacking football.
“For the first goal there were a few blocks, I was following the ball and when it dropped I just kicked it.
“I was lucky that it went in.
“It was not the nicest goal but they all count.
“I can’t remember what went through me when the ball went in.
“It was a weird feeling.
“I was thinking about my family, the medical staff and when I was injured.
“A few things came to mind very quickly but the main thing was happiness.”
Martin Fillo put Brentford 2-1 up but Dagenham responded, equalised and looked set to take the game to extra time.
However, four minutes in to stoppage time, Scott Barron delivered a free kick and Farid rose highest to head in.
“I didn’t want extra time, I was dead after 20 minutes,” admitted the striker.
“When the free kick came I knew we needed to score.
“Dagenham and Redbridge came and played good football, they didn’t sit back.
“I think we could have avoided the two goals we conceded but that happens in football.
“It was a good cup game, I think, the fans enjoyed it.
“It is good that we won the game.
“The type of ball from Scott Barron is perfect; it only needs a little touch.
“It was the perfect free kick, very hard to defend and good for strikers.
“It was an intense game, especially in the second half.”
Farid will be competing for places up front with Clayton Donaldson, Will Grigg and Paul Hayes, while Conor McAleny can also play up front or on the left side and Martin Fillo has been used behind the striker and Sam Saunders has played in that role before.
“The gaffer said in pre-season the Club’s objective was to play a role in the promotion race,” said Farid.
“You need competition for places to do that, especially up front.
“We have four good guys, the competition is fair.
“Every time the gaffer calls us we need to help us.
“It will be good for all the team.
“When you are asked you have to try to help the team.
“We have five different players, we can all add to the team.
“It if works, it will be perfect.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full video interview with Farid El Alagui here.