Striker Nicky Forster is willing to curb his attacking instincts and put his body on the line to nip Brentford’s poor league start in the bud.

The 37-year-old, who is struggling with a stomach strain, played wide on the right in a five-midfield in Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion that saw the Bees slip to the foot of League One.

It was only Forster’s second league start - after switching back to the club where he first made his name - and saw him largely deployed in a defensive role in a bid to frustrate the table-topping Seagulls.

And the former Reading man says boss Andy Scott’s men must do everything necessary to turn their season around.

“The league is our bread and butter. We had good ambitions for this season and we have to really find our form and start pushing up the table,” he said.

“At the moment we are falling a long way short of that.

“I’m happy to play anywhere the manager puts me. I’m predominantly a central striker, but we needed to frustrate them and address their strengths. It worked right up until the end.

“I’m enjoying playing and being in the team, but I’m not enjoying where we are in the league or losing games.”

Forster has struggled to find the net since arriving at the club in the summer, but with Brentford only managing four league goals so far this term, he is not the only one.

He may have to postpone surgery to help Scott’s men through a mini injury crisis, but he has urged fans to keep the faith.

“I need one - a few of us do - but if we can keep cleansheets and keep creating a few chances I’m sure they will come,” he added.

“We have a very good squad with good strength in depth, but we are struggling to find the right blend at the moment.

“We’ve got a few injuries and I’m keen to get the operation done because it is hampering me slightly, but the most important thing is to turn the form around and try to win some games.”