Bees manager Dean Smith is looking to strengthen his squad in the run-in to the end of the season after a comprehensive weekend defeat at QPR.

Saturday's 3-0 reverse at Loftus Road leaves the Bees 17th in the Championship table, just seven points above the drop zone ahead of Blackburn Rovers' visit this weekend.

Smith, who watched his side slip to his their sixth defeat in seven games, offered up some positives in defeat, but conceded the side is not performing at a high enough standard.

He said: “I thought the game turned on the second goal. It was a free kick that wasn't given. They scored and we lost our discipline and our confidence.

"I don't think Lasse [Vibe] and Marco [Djuricin] are playing as well as they can. Philip Hofmann is injured. He had a back spasm on Monday and has not trained all week.

"We’ll also be looking in the market for loan signings. We know we need to strengthen. I'm hopeful we'll get one in this week.”

Brentford, playing without a recognised striker, competed well, but created few chances before falling behind to an impressive strike from Junior Hoilett shortly before half time.

QPR doubled their advantage on 66 minutes. Ryan Woods lost the ball in midfield and Sebastian Polter raced clear and fired past David Button.

The Bees felt aggrieved that a foul was not given for the challenge on Woods, with Alan McCormack booked for his protests.

A clinical finish from Tjaroon Chery shortly afterwards capped a miserable day on the road for the Bees.

Smith said: “Goals change games, don't they? We were still in it before their second. I changed the system and shape today and thought we were very competitive. They scored when we were having our best period of the game as well.

"We looked good on the ball, moved it well and caused them problems in the first half. But they were always a threat on the counter.

"I thought the change in formation was the best way of getting Alan McCormack into the team. Being a local derby he understands what it's all about and adds some experience to a young team. He did a good job in there.

"If you had moved Alan Judge into a wide position we'd lose something from his game. I'd watched them during the week and felt we could cause them problems with this approach.”