BRENTFORD midfielder Lewis Macleod is close to making his debut as they prepare to meet Blackpool at Griffin Park this evening.

The 20-year-old, a £1m January signing from Rangers, has yet to feature for the Bees as he recovers from a hamstring injury but is on the verge of a comeback.

The Bees put their managerial turmoil behind them at the weekend as the fans and players rallied behind Mark Warburton to record an impressive 3-1 victory over high-flyers Bournemouth.

Just one point separates Brentford from Norwich and Watford in fifth and sixth respectively, and victory tonight could propel the Bees to fourth if other results go their way.

Alan Judge and Alan McCormack both returned from injury in the victory on Saturday.

Left-back Jake Bidwell is still suspended and Scott Hogan remains a long-term absentee as he recovers from a cruciate injury.

Blackpool come into this match still winless in February and 12 points adrift of safety.

Brentford won the earlier meeting this season 2-1 at Bloomfield Road in August, while Blackpool have won only one of the past nine meetings at Griffin Park – a 3-0 win in League One in October 2004.

The Bees have agreed a deal with Premier League side Everton to extend the loan of striker Chris Long for another month.

The 19-year-old has made five substitute appearances for Brentford since joining last month and netted his first goal for the club against Bournemouth at the weekend.