Brentford Manager Mark Warburton paid tribute to the work ethic of his players in preparing for the Sky Bet League One match against Crawley Town.
The Bees are scheduled to host the Sussex side at Griffin Park tomorrow, Saturday February 8.
The weather has left the Griffin Park pitch very wet and more rain could put the match in doubt.
Mark said he was keen to get the game on but could not fight Mother Nature.
Brentford’s Training Ground has also had heavy rainfall and Mark said it was having an impact despite lots of hard work from the ground staff.
Mark, speaking to Bees Player yesterday, said the players had trained well in the circumstances.
“It just keeps raining,” he said.
“The ground staff are working hard and toiling away but they can’t get any heavy machinery on the pitches.
“The ball bobbles and we have to deal with it.
“They work tirelessly but the rain keeps coming down.
“There is more coming too.
“It is what it is.
“We hope we can get the game on and push forward but it’s Mother Nature.
“The boys have trained well.
“I am delighted with the intensity and the quality they showed.
“I am pleased with the work ethic and quality.”
Mark said Sam Saunders was close to a return from injury, following Harlee Dean and Adam Forshaw, who had played in the draw against Shrewsbury Town last week following a month out.
Mark said Adam Forshaw had come through fine after 40 minutes and Harlee Dean the same after 90, albeit he was only planning to give him 70 to 75.
That plan changed when Nico Yennaris picked up a dead leg.
“We are getting there fitness wise,” said Mark.
“Sam Saunders was out there running today.
“He is not too far away.
“The other boys are fully integrated.
“I have a selection problem but that’s a nice one to have.
“Harlee played 90 when the plan was to play him for 70 or 75.
“He had to stay on because Nico Yennaris got a dead leg.
“Harlee came through great; Adam Forshaw looked like he had never been away.
“I am delighted with both of them.”
Mark said Crawley are a “well-organised” team but if his side did what they do well then they would be OK.
He said the Sussex side may bring in players when the loan window opens tomorrow so he couldn’t really prepare for what they might bring to the game in terms of personnel.
“We respect the opposition,” said Mark.
“They have a thin squad at the moment but I am sure they will react to the loan window.
“They could bring in two or three on Saturday morning but we can’t prepare for what we don’t know.
“They are a well-organised team and have had some good results of late.
“We need to do what we do well.
“We will look at what we do, if we do that right we will be OK.”
Mark spoke to Bees Player ahead of last night’s Fans Forum.
The Brentford Manager said he was looking forward to it.
“I want the fans to ask questions,” he said.
“I am not a fan of evenings with timid people, I would rather people be blunt.
“I was told by two fans the other day that we play too much attacking football.
“I don’t mind them airing that.
“We can get our point across.”
Mark said his squad was in good shape as Brentford entered the last three months of the season.
The Bees signed James Tarkowski from Oldham Athletic last week.
An agreement is in place for James to go back on loan but that deal has not been completed yet.
Mark said he was ready for away games against Sheffield United and Crewe Alexandra to follow in the week after Crawley.
“James is a good signing for us,” said Mark.
“We have cover in that area now.
“Our injuries are coming back.
“We are in good shape.
“We have a healthy squad for a run of games.
“We have Crawley and then a busy week with travelling to Sheffield and Crewe.
“We have to make sure we produce our highest level.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full video interview with Mark Warburton here.