Mathias ‘Zanka’ Jorgensen expressed his disappointment after Brentford’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United at the Gtech Community Stadium.

The defender was introduced in the 16th minute following an injury to captain Pontus Jansson.

“Obviously, we’re disappointed,” Zanka began. “We had a great first half and to lose from that position is not great.

“Goals change games. They’re a team that’s right up there competing for the Champions League and once they got a sniff, that got them going. Unfortunately, we couldn’t respond.

“We dealt with them quite well, but once you make a mistake, they pounce on you. Newcastle are really good at that and that’s why they’re up there.

“We’ve got to learn from that if we want to beat the best guys week in, week out, not just once or twice in a season. You can’t make mistakes.”

Zanka expressed his concern for Jansson after his enforced withdrawal.

“We’re all gutted for him,” he said.

“Everyone’s competing - we all want to play, myself included – but you never want to come onto the pitch because somebody’s been hurt. And not a guy that’s been hurt for most of the season.

“Fingers crossed it’s not too bad and he can get back on the pitch soon.”

“You’ve got to hit the ground running,” Zaka continued when asked about his early introduction.

“Sometimes your first touch isn’t right where you want it straight away, so it’s a struggle, but I tried to do my best. It was alright; not great, but not bad.

“Earlier in the season I had a good run of games and played really well, so hopefully I can push and get up to that level again.”