Gayle not ready to blow out yet

Gayle also has previous play-off experience with Brentford, having played in Steve Perryman's side which lost 3-2 on aggregate to Tranmere in the 1991 semi-finals.

He says that team was more seasoned than Martin Allen's group, but there is a strong comparison between the two squads in terms of team spirit.

Gayle recalled: "It was my first full season in the first team. We were pretty consistent and the side picked itself. There was Dean Holdsworth and Gary Blissett in attack, Neil Smillie and I played out wide with Keith Jones in midfield and Terry Evans and Keith Millen at the back.

"We were disappointed to lose, but the team stayed together and the following season we won the title. We were pretty organised and everyone was champing at the bit each time we played, the spirit was superb.

"The big difference between then and now was that we had a lot more senior professionals, I was one of the few younger players. Now we have a lot more youngsters.

"There is tremendous spirit in this squad too. The younger players and the senior players all get on really well, there is no segregation. Martin Allen has got everyone really tuned in and I believe promotion is within reach. The manager gives 100 per cent and expects the same effort from his players."

As important as the emotional attachment was the opportunity Brentford gave Gayle to play firstteam football again after being sidelined at Vicarage Road.

Now back on the left wing following a spell as a defender at Watford, he hopes to win a contract for next year.

Gayle said: "I had a series of injuries in my last season at Watford. Every time I came back, I seemed to suffer another setback. Other people came in and did well. At my age, I just wanted to be playing regularly.

"I want to play on for as long as I can. If I can look after my body, I don't see why I can't play for another two years. Whether or not we win promotion, I would love to be at Brentford next season.

"In the last two years at Watford, I have played at the back which, to be honest, is where I see my future. But Martin Allen has asked me to play left wing again and I'm just glad to be playing again in any position. I can still cross a ball so hopefully I can make a useful contribution."

Having moved from Wimbledon to Rangers for £900,000 and also negotiated a lucrative contract from Gianluca Vialli at Watford, Gayle has earned a good living from the game.

He is considering a move into coaching when he does finally retire but also has business interests, including 3 Tribes, a trendy clothes shop in Fulham Broadway which he owns with two partners.

Before any of that, however, he is anxious to repay the club which gave him his first break and hopes his experience will be of benefit at Hillsborough tonight.

Gayle said: "All you can do is keep people relaxed and focused. For a lot of the youngsters, this is their first really big season but they've already shown they can handle pressure during the FA Cup run.

"It would be great for Brentford to win promotion. There is a good fanbase and it is a popular club with youngsters who want to progress. Young players know that if they do well there they will get noticed and move upwards. Then, like me, maybe they can come back."

Apart from long-term injury victims Stephen Hunt, Michael Dobson and Alex Rhodes, Allen has a fully-fit squad. Chris Hargreaves and Jay Tabb are the only players likely to keep their places from last Saturday's 2-1 victory over Hull when Allen fielded a weakened team.