Returning Brentford striker Lasse Vibe feels he is ready to challenge for a first-team spot ahead of Saturday’s clash with Sunderland.

The 30-year-old Dane had not featured since the August defeat at Portman Road, until he came on in the 65th minute during Saturday’s win over Millwall.

The international break allowed Vibe to progress through the latter phases of recovery from a foot problem, and he now feels he is ready to get his season up and running.

He said: “I played 60 minutes for the B Team on Tuesday so I felt like I could have started.

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“With the break, there was no need to rush it so that’s why I felt, and hopefully looked, fresh.

“I feel sharp so I want to play as much as possible.”

Speaking on the frustration of injury rehabilitation, last season’s top scorer explained how it is difficult to maintain balance during recovery as a leader in the dressing room.

He said: “To be honest you go quite selfish when you are injured.

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“You are focussed on just getting back but at the same time you want to help the lads when they are around.

“Mentally it is a balance. I don’t want to concentrate too much on that because it will take my mind off doing what I have to do.

“It was the longest period that I have had out for ten or 12 years. I had to rehab it for six to eight weeks.

“I have been pushing the last few weeks and I have felt good in training.”

He was also moved by the reaction of the Bees fans when he made his return to action against Millwall last weekend.

“I thought I got a very nice reception,” he said. “It didn’t go unnoticed and I was very humbled.”

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