Head coach Keith Andrews sat down with the media on Friday morning ahead of Brentford’s Premier League game against Brighton and Hove Albion.

From Fábio Carvalho’s season-ending ACL injury to Igor Thiago’s impressive form, here are five talking points from Andrews’ press conference at Jersey Road.

Fábio Carvalho’s season-ending ACL injury

“It happened around a week ago in training,” Andrews revealed.

“It’s been a tough week for obvious reasons – it’s devastating for him.

“I feel for him. He’s someone who I have a lot of respect for as a man. This season he’s not been given as many opportunities as I ideally would’ve liked. He knows that.

“We were in constant communication before the injury about his development as a player and ambitions. Unfortunately, that’s been taken away from him for a period.

“We’ll support him really well as we always do. Antoni Milambo did his [ACL] a few weeks ago, so he’s already on that path to recovery.

“Fábio knows he’ll get support from everybody at the football club during this difficult period.”

Igor Thiago in goalscoring form

“I can only speak about Thiago and how good he’s been,” Andrews responded when asked Thiago, who has scored nine goals in 12 appearances this season.

“He’s so important for us and the way we play. He’s constantly developing and he’s clearly very ambitious and patriotic.

“He would love to don the Brazilian jersey – it’s a huge ambition of his. We will help him as much as we can to hopefully achieve that.”

January transfer window

“There are processes in place and I’m very involved in who we sign,” said Andrews.

“But the hard yards aren’t done by me; we’ve got a department that does that and has done that very, very well.

“We’re always forward planning, whether it’s the next window or the one after that, with an eye on what the squad looks like going forward and contract situations.”

Nathan Collins and Caoimhín Kelleher helping Republic of Ireland reach the 2026 World Cup play-offs

“I’m delighted, first and foremost, to see the team get through a tricky window,” Andrews smiled.

“It was brilliant for the country. I nearly pulled my hamstring jumping off the sofa when Troy [Parrott] scored that goal [against Hungary].

“It’s great for those two - I have a vested interest in Caoimhín and Nathan.

“To see what they achieved, they’re big players for us and the country, it was a special week and I know that they enjoyed it.”

Brentford’s style of play

“I want to enjoy watching our team,” said Andrews.

“I want to set up a team to get results, first and foremost, but equally I want fans to be engaged with the team. It’s a coach’s responsibility to do that.

“I want to play to the players’ strengths and capabilities. I’ve enjoyed watching us this season.”