Brentford's defensive frailties are likely to get worse before they get better, with experienced centre-back Matt Heywood set to miss the rest of the season.

The 28-year-old has not featured since limping out of the 1-0 defeat to Chesterfield last month with a broken rib, and was due to see a consultant this week to see if he has punctured his lung.

His and Kevin O'Connor's absence has coincided with four consecutive defeats for the Bees, culminating in Tuesday night's 4-1 home capitulation to struggling Bury.

A string of howlers from a defence featuring three 19-year-olds gifted the Shakers a 3-0 half-time lead.

Boss Andy Scott admits his options are limited, with four of the seven players carrying injuries needing surgery.

"Matty is going to be out a bit longer than anticipated so that is a big blow," he said "We have seen in the four games he has missed we have really missed his leadership.

"The problem I have on the training ground is we have six or seven players carrying injuries and, with so many games coming up, I have to look after them.

"It is very hard to work on the team shape with the same intensity as we did before."