Brentford defender Michael Spillane reckons three consecutive cleansheets means the Bees can shock Premier League Everton next week.

Boss Andy Scott’s men fired blanks at the weekend but secured a 0-0 draw at Bristol Rovers to continue their revival after a slow start to the season.

Spillane has been in top form since returning to the starting line-up in a 1-0 win at Stevenage, before helping inspire Brentford to a 1-0 win over League One leaders Sheffield Wednesday.

The Bees host the Toffeemen in the Carling Cup on Tuesday with a five-figure crowd anticipating a major cup shock at Griffin Park, following the 2-1 triumph over Championship side Hull City last month.

And former Norwich City man Spillane, who has played against the likes of Manchester City and West Ham United in the past, insists the recent run of form gives them more than a chance of an upset.

“Our results haven’t really proved how we have been playing. We are a good team and better than our league position suggests,” he said.

“It is not going to be easy, but I think we can win if we play how we have been.

“When Hull came down here it wasn’t one sided. We gave as good as we got and got the win.

“I don’t think it will be completely one-sided against Everton. We’ve got to respect them because they have some of the best players in the country.

“But they have got to respect us as well, because if they don’t they know they will come unstuck.”

But first, Brentford must focus their attention on the visit of Hartlepool United on Saturday, and Spillane believes the Bees must stick to their gameplan to prevail.

“We cannot afford to think this game is going to be easier than any other, “ he added.

“The gaffer has been making us work hard on our defence and it is starting to take shape.

“We dominated 11 men and then 10 men at the weekend, but just couldn’t score.

“We will take a similar game plan in to the Hartlepool game and we will be looking to get back to winning ways.”

Brentford’s next three games: Sept 18 Hartlepool United (h), 21 Everton (LCup, h), 24 Leyton Orient (a).