Harry Forrester said Brentford’s victory over Milton Keynes Dons on Saturday showed they could compete with anyone in npower League One.
The Bees climbed to fourth in the table, just two points off the top, by beating the Buckinghamshire side.
The visitors started the day third in the table but Clayton Donaldson scored twice, including a last gasp winner, as The Bees won 3-2.
Harry Forrester scored Brentford’s second equalised in the game and also set Clayton Donaldson’s first goal.
He said with recent wins over Sheffield United and Swindon Town under their belts and an unbeaten league run stretching to eight games, the MK win confirmed The Bees had nothing to fear.
“It was a terrific game,” said Harry, speaking to The Bees Player Show after the match.
“We showed them too much respect in the first ten minutes or so.
“The boys found me and Clayton much better after that and we hurt them.
“We have shown we can mix it with anyone in the league.
“We showed that against Sheffield United, who are more direct, and now we’ve played MK Dons, they play a lot more football and we have come out on top again.
“We have shown we can take everything that is thrown at us and win the game.”
Brentford fell behind to a Ryan Lowe goal but Clayton Donaldson equalised before half time.
Stephen Gleeson put MK Dons 2-1 up after half time but Harry Forrester lashed in an equaliser and Clayton Donaldson scored from close range to win it.
Speaking after the match, Harry also reflected on a chance that went begging.
With the game at 2-2, substitute Jake Reeves put Harry clear, he got away from Angelo Balanta but MK Dons goalkeeper David Martin denied him.
“Jake played a great ball through,” said Harry.
“I didn’t realise I was that quick.
“I got away but my touch wasn’t the best and the keeper has made a great save.
“I should score there.
“But we kept going and Clayton deserved the winner, he works tirelessly.
“Everyone is buzzing.”
Harry said the win was based on the strength of the Brentford squad.
Manager Uwe Rösler introduced Jake Reeves and Rob Kiernan as substitutes and Harry praised their contribution, as well as that of the Brentford supporters.
“It was a testament to every player in the squad,” said Harry.
“It is a squad game, we know that.
“Jake Reeves and Rob Kiernan came on and didn’t let the tempo drop, the gaffer [Uwe Rösler] always talks about that.
“The fans really helped us; they carried us on and on to get the last minute winner.”
Jake Reeves also spoke to The Bees Player Show after the match.
He came on with 12 minutes remaining and the game level at 2-2.
He said he was told by Manager Uwe Rösler to press MK Dons’ midfield and try to pass the ball.
“It was a good game,” said Jake.
“It was really fast and I didn’t have much time to get in to it.
“I was pleased to get on.
“The Manager told me to stay tight to their central midfield player so they could not dictate play.
“He told me to get on the ball and go out and play.
“It was a really open game; both teams were trying to win it.
“There was a lot of space to come and play.”
Jake spent four weeks on loan at AFC Wimbledon and recalled from his spell at the npower League Two club last week.
He had originally been due to stay with the South West London outfit until mid-January but was recalled early as Brentford were hit by injuries.
He played 90 minutes in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy game against Southend United on Tuesday and said he was pleased to get a chance.
“I have always had a lot of belief in myself, I just wanted to try and get on the pitch,” said Jake.
“Thankfully the gaffer has called me back, when he needed another central midfield player and he has given me a chance to play.
“I played the other night at Southend and I have come on today.
“I thought I did quite well.”
Jake said there was an “unbelievable” atmosphere in the changing room.
Brentford face fellow promotion-chasers Notts County and Stevenage before Christmas and Jake said the season would be set up in The Bees could come through those in good shape.
“We were all really happy,” he said.
“That puts us fourth; the atmosphere around the changing room is unbelievable.
“The boys are really achieving at the moment.
“If we can come through the next two games unscathed it will set us up for the season.”
Highlights of The Bees Player Show will be available soon.