Carlos Carvalhal says Lucas Joao is growing as a player and showing all the right signs at the club.
While the young striker continues to work hard to adapt to the Championship, Carvalhal was overjoyed to see the frontman bag the winner at Griffin Park on Saturday.
Drawing 1-1 with Brentford and into the final minute, Joao nicked possession just past halfway and made strides upfield before confidently stroking the ball home.
Of the 22-year-old, Carvalhal said: “This goal is very important to him.
“As I have said he is just a boy, he is learning and I said in the week leading up to Brentford that in the last two games, he gave important signs to us.
“The way that he was on the pitch with Fulham and the way that he played at Newcastle; he gave signals that he is more ready.
“The way he is using his body and turning opponents is very encouraging. He is more aggressive with the opposition.
“We know that when he has some space, he can score in these situations. It’s good for his confidence and he is important to us.”