Bryan Mbeumo’s ruthlessness and a dollop of Premier League quality were what fired Brentford into the fourth round of the FA Cup, reckons boss Thomas Frank.

The Bees beat League Two Port Vale 4-1 away from home on Saturday as Mbeumo’s hat-trick – off the substitutes bench – and Marcus Forss’ strike meant Kian Harratt’s goal for the Valiants proved in vain.


The win put sees Brentford into the last 32, away from home once again and this time against Premier League opposition as they travel to Goodison Park to face Everton.


Bees chief Frank praised French hero Mbeumo’s display in a polished performance and said: “I was very pleased because we know these FA Cup games are difficult and we knew it could be a tough place to come. 


“First half we were excellent, with the counter pressing, attitude and mentality spot on. 


“We scored a good goal, controlled things completely and didn't give Vale a sniff, but this is the FA Cup and the second half we started badly, they were more direct and ran at us and they created that special FA Cup atmosphere.  


“They scored the 2-1 goal and put us a little under pressure but in the end we, and especially Bryan Mbeumo, showed our quality.” 


But it was not just the performance that pleased Frank, who was similarly satisfied with the Bees’ attitude. 


He added: “I said before the game that attitude and mentality would be the most important thing because if the bigger teams are coming into a game like this without that, they will find it hard. 


“It’s always all about mentality and ours was bang on. Then of course we have a tiny bit more quality and if we didn't, it could be very difficult. 


“I'm so pleased and proud of my team that they just did it because it's not a case of saying ‘we’ll just turn up here, win and go home’ because the difference between professional players is very small and if you're not bang on you can’t do it.” 


With the Bees currently 12 points clear of relegation, it seems that Frank intends to take the Cup seriously. 


The Dane said: “Last year we showed that we really wanted to do well in the Carabao Cup in the most congested Championship season ever because of COVID. 


“We also wanted to have a real go this year where we got to the quarter final and went toe to toe with Chelsea, so I want to go far in the FA Cup again.  


“I like to nail the balance and still have maximum focus on the next game and then once you get into a rhythm it takes care of itself.”