Brentford boss Uwe Rosler will dip into the loan market to boost his squad after learning skipper Kevin O'Connor will face six months on the sidelines.

O'Connor is set for surgery tomorrow on the damaged ankle he suffered in last week's League One win over Portsmouth that saw him leave Fratton Park on crutches.

The Bees - who beat Carliste United 2-1 at the weekend thanks to goals from Jonathan Douglas and Paul Hayes and a penalty save from Simon Moore -face Preston North End, Swindon Town and Sheffield United in the space of a week starting on Saturday in Lancashire.

"Now comes the week of truth, with Preston, Swindon and Sheffield United. I think this season we will do better against the sides above us," said Rosler.

"We need to fill out squad by one or maybe two players because the games now will be very intense and physical."

O'Connor's injury came days after the anniversary of the injury he sustained in the FA Cup against Basingstoke Town last season, that saw him miss more than six months last term.

 

But Brentford's head of medical Neil Greig is confident the skipper would be back to play a key role for the club.

"Kevin sustained a significant ankle and lower leg injury when falling awkwardly in a tackle, leading to him being stretchered from the field," he said.

"Following scan investigations and consultation with a leading orthopaedic specialist, it has been established that Kevin will need to undergo surgery to repair the damage he has sustained.

"Kevin will undergo this surgery on Tuesday and then begin, what is anticipated to be, a six-month period of rehabilitation.

"Having worked closely with Kevin through his rehabilitation from long-term injury last season, I have absolute belief that he will return from this disappointing setback to play a key role for Brentford.

"Kevin demonstrates a first class attitude to recovery and we will offer him every support in order for him to complete his recovery."