Frank keen for Onyeka to ‘kick on to the next level’

Thomas Frank hopes midfielder Frank Onyeka can build on his performance against Brighton and “kick on” this season after being handed a rare start.

Onyeka made his first Premier League start of the season in Friday’s 2-0 win and set up Ivan Toney’s opening goal.

The 24-year-old featured more regularly for the Bees at the start of last season after signing from FC Midtjylland in the summer, but missed the end of the campaign after suffering an ankle injury.

He came close to joining Championship side Middlesbrough on loan this summer before a long-term injury to fellow midfielder Christian Norgaard scuppered the move, and Bees boss Frank was pleased to see the Nigeria international take his chance in the team.

“I think Frank had a good season last year, but he was unlucky with some injuries that broke up the rhythm of his performances,” Frank said.

“I have some different midfielders and he’s the type that has got another skillset. He’s a very good pressing player and a very good runner and he showed that.

“I’m very, very pleased that when he was needed, he performed. Definitely there’s a chance to get into the team, no doubt about that.

“Now it was time for Frank. We needed him. He did well and hopefully he can kick on to the next level.

“The more consistent he can be in winning his 50-50s and the duels and the pressing game, which he is very good at, and the more consistent he can be on the ball in terms of keeping the ball, that will define him.”

Toney’s eighth Premier League goal of the season sealed the win for the Bees in the second half against Brighton, and Frank also credited his players for their response to a 5-1 hammering at Newcastle the week prior.

“I really loved the character of the players. I think they just showed that little bit of extra determination to win a football match,” he said.

“When you lose a game, it’s all about how you come back from that. It is about how we handle our setbacks. How we handle that and how we move forward from that is what defines us.

“I think good teams, they bounce back after a loss or a not good performance, so that was very satisfying.”

However, Brentford are waiting to find out the extent of an ankle injury suffered by full-back Aaron Hickey, who missed the win over Brighton.