Thomas Frank expressed his frustration after Brentford’s Carabao Cup exit on Tuesday night.

The Bees lost 6-5 on penalties to League Two Gillingham following a 1-1 draw at the Gtech Community Stadium.

“Congratulations to Gillingham,” Frank begun, “they took their chance well in the second half and they were spotless in the penalty shootout.

“We could see how much it meant to their fans – they celebrated hugely – so big congratulations to them.

“It’s always disappointing to lose, but if it has to happen then at least it’s to a good colleague and a good friend of mine [Neil Harris].

“This is cup football. It happens, but we’re disappointed.”

Christian Norgaard appeared for the first time since August against the Gills.

The midfielder was withdrawn at half-time, but Frank confirmed that it was ‘part of the plan’ in managing his comeback from an Achilles injury.

Yehor Yarmoliuk made his First Team debut in the second half and Frank praised the young Ukrainian midfielder.

“It was a good moment for Yehor,” he said.

“I congratulated him in the dressing room. We’re always happy with that and we need to cherish it. He deserved his debut and I think he did well.”