Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer has discussed the Bees’ defensive performance against a "lethal" Liverpool attack on Saturday lunchtime.

Ajer played 90 minutes in the 4-1 defeat, which was his first start since the end of November.

"It's very disappointing to stand here and talk about a 4-1 defeat, it doesn't matter who you play against, that's always disappointing,” said the defender. 

"We started the game very well, very promising, and then they scored on our set-piece, which was disappointing - that happens very rarely.  

“Then, after half-time, we come out to try and get back in the game but, when you play against Liverpool, they are lethal in attack.” 

He added: "They probably underperformed for the first half an hour and we top performed but, against the top teams, you have to take advantage of that.

"We didn't do that today and we got punished in the second half."

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has confirmed that Ethan Pinnock will be out until after the international break with an ankle injury, which saw Ajer come into the side on Saturday. 

And the Norwegian wished his team-mate all the best, before insisting the rest of the defence need to step up in his absence. 

Ajer stated: “Ethan has been fantastic, so it's about looking after him, hopefully he’ll come back quickly and then, in the meantime, us other guys will have to perform as well.”