Ollie Watkins can fill the void left by Neal Maupay according to the Brentford forward.

Maupay’s 25-goal season for the Bees last campaign earned him a £20million move to Brighton at the end of the summer transfer window.

With a number of deadline day bids for Charlton’s Lyle Taylor rejected, Maupay’s late departure meant manager Thomas Frank was unable to recruit a replacement.

Looking within his squad, Frank turned to 23-year-old Watkins, predominantly a wide-attacker, to lead the line this season.

Maupay scored 37 goals in 85 league appearances during his time at Griffin Park, but Watkins believes he’s ready to take over the mantle, having scored four in his opening six matches this season.

“My role in the team is a bit different but I’m relishing it really,” said Watkins who bagged ten goals last season.

“Neal was unbelievable last year, but I feel like I will get just as many chances as he did, it’s about me taking them.

“If I carry on this way I feel I’ll be in a similar position as Neal was last year.”

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

'I'm happy to play anywhere'

Playing as the central forward isn’t new to Watkins having played the role on a number of occasions last season and at former club Exeter.

Watkins had his suspicions a positional change could be on the cards during a pre-season discussion with his manager.

“Neil hadn’t played many pre-season games and I played up front and I was thinking that was going to be my position.

“We (Thomas Frank) had a brief chat about it then and he said he can see me playing both positions, nine and ten.

“I accepted that, I’m happy to play wherever for the team but it’s a role that’s maybe better for me as I’m always involved in the game and have to be ready to take the chances when they come.

“I’ve played a few games there but never had a serious run of games there, so hopefully I can continue to play there and continue to score goals.

“Last year I had a pretty similar start but this year I definitely feel more confident in myself and I’m looking forward to playing more games as a number nine and developing my game.”

Having spent the majority of his career on the flank, the move to a more central role resembles that of one of Watkins idols, Thierry Henry.

“He was someone I grew up watching, he was definitely a big inspiration, he’s someone I base my game on.”

Brentford travel to Preston after the international break.

READ:Brentford have set-up for promotion to Premier League says Norgaard

READ:Brentford's Thomas Frank impressed after 3-0 Derby victory