Thomas Frank hailed Ollie Watkins after the forward’s second-half goal gave Brentford a 1-0 victory at Middlesbrough.
The Bees, who were unfortunate to lose their opening Championship game against Birmingham last week, had to withstand some strong home pressure before the break, and remained on the back foot for long spells after the interval.
But Watkins scored the vital goal from close range after good work by Sergi Canos, who almost doubled the lead with a strike that was just off target.
With Brentford having not been able to bring in a replacement following Neal Maupay’s move to Brighton, much responsibility rests on Watkins, who signed a new long-term contract this week.
And boss Frank has no doubt Watkins can deliver as an out-out-striker.
“I have big belief in Ollie. He scored a classic number 9’s goal,” Frank declared.
“We had to sell the best number 9 in the league when Neal left, but now our number 9 has scored, so it is a case of job done.”
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This post was last modified on 12/08/2019