John Swift thought that Brentford could have come away with the three points on another night as David Button’s second-half own-goal condemned The Bees to a third straight defeat in all competitions after a 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough. Dean Smith’s side went close in the first-half through Lasse Vibe, Alan Judge and Sam Saunders but were punished for those missed chances after the break as Button’s attempted punch from a corner looped up and into his own net.
Speaking to Bees Player after the match John said: “It was a tough game from the start. Middlesbrough are top of the league so we knew it was going to be a hard game. Everyone gave 100 per cent but it just didn’t come off for us. If we go into every game like that and play like that then we can definitely get three points. On another day we would have taken those chances but it is good that we keep getting into those positions.”
The result leaves Brentford eight points off the Play-Offs ahead of Friday’s home game against fourth placed Burnley. John admits that Friday’s televised encounter takes on extra significance given the recent defeats but feels that The Bees have enough to get the three points.
“It is an important game against Burnley because they are up there as well fighting for promotion,” said John. “I think it will be a similar game to the game against Middlesbrough. We will go into it like we do every game, give 100 per cent and hopefully get the result this time.”
John recently extended his stay at Griffin Park from Chelsea for the rest of the season. The England Under-21 international has made 16 appearances so far, scoring three goals, and said he never had any hesitation in agreeing to stay for the rest of the campaign.
“It was an easy decision to stay at Brentford,” said John. “I wanted to stay until the end of the season and Brentford wanted me to stay as well. I am coming up against big teams in big games with big atmospheres. Playing first-team football is massive for me and I am getting better every game. I feel my consistency is the main thing I need to work on now because I don’t feel that I am as consistent as I want to be. Since I came to Brentford the lads have been great to me. Every day in training you see why Alan McCormack and Alan Judge are still playing at this top level and I am learning from everyone in the team.”
Bees Player subscribers can listen to the full interview with John below