V.Janelt (Exclusive): Brentford's crisis? We are no Liverpool or Man City but will stay up to 100% thanks to 'hungry' Toney

Exclusive by Alessandro Schiavone

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Vitaly Janelt puts Brentford's slump this season down to key players suffering long injuries.

Thomas Frank's Bees are fifth from bottom and only three points clear of safety ahead of their home game against a resurgent Nottingham Forest side today.

They lost their last five Premier League games and are a far cry from the side that flirted with the idea of European football in years gone by.

The 3-2 mid-week defeat at Wolves in the FA Cup was another punch in the gut.

But German Janelt told Capital Football: "We have many first teamers out injured, around six or seven.

"And at the end of the day we don't have the same depth in our squad as Liverpool or Man City.

"If we have to make do with 6-7 absentees it's tough"

But Ivan Toney's return today after eight months out represents a big boost on both technical and psychological terms for a side skating on thin ice and in the thick of a relegation battle.

The former VFL Bochum star added: "We're very happy to have Ivan back, he has a huge impact on the squad.

"We all know what he's about and he's been working hard in the past 3-4 months in training. He's ready and can't wait to get started."

Asked whether he is among the Premier League's elite strikers, the midfielder said: "He is, 100%!

"He is in good form because he's been preparing well. He's been training with us since September and has had a few of extra training sessions. He has been putting his nose to the grindstone, giving his all and is very hungry....

"Now the time has come and I can't wait to welcome him back."

So will the Bees still be in the Premier League come next season?

Janelt concluded: "Brentford will stay up to 100%.

"For us every weekend is a new chance and I believe we can get the three points against Nottingham.

"If we do just that it gives us momentum and the three points would see us leapfrog them in the table."