Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has stressed the importance of continuing their tremendous home form in the club’s last ever season at Griffin Park.

Having won each of their last five home league clashes, the Bees have risen up to third in the Championship table but entertain high-flying local rivals Queens Park Rangers next.

With 11 goals in their last two games in all competitions, the Rs may well pose a threat to Frank’s men, and the Dane recognises the magnitude of a match which sees former Brentford boss Mark Warburton return to TW8.

But with the meanest defence in the division - having conceded just 20 goals in 26 matches - Frank is eager for his side to continue their growing momentum at such a crucial point of the season.

“Mark achieved promotion in his first season at Brentford and we need to respect and understand the big impact he had here,” said the 46-year-old.

“He made a top foundation first as sporting director then as head coach, and he was part of creating the identity we have now with our style of play - playing attractive, offensive football going forward.

“But we’ve been playing very well and it’s so, so important to do everything we can to create these magical moments and hopefully we can create another one on Saturday.

“Our defence has been brilliant and the work on that started a year ago when we decided we needed to do something about conceding soft goals. I wanted to be the best defensive side in the division.”

With such a strong backline, the Bees are rumoured to be looking at a number of strikers this January, most notably Emre Mor who is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Spanish side Celta Vigo.

The 22-year-old has been dubbed the ‘Turkish Messi’, but is yet to truly settle at a club and his attitude and professionalism have been questioned throughout his short career.

Frank was not willing to discuss any transfers in detail but did not rule out the possibility of a new face coming in this January.

He said: “We are always prepared and on the front foot if an extraordinarily good opportunity happens. But not an expensive one - you know how it is at Brentford.”

Amid recent reports that Ollie Watkins could be on his way out of the club, the star striker recently quashed those rumours and insisted he is happy in West London.

“I’m not going anywhere,” the 24-year-old said. “I’ve just got to keep focused on my game and help the team to try and do something special this year.”