Sutton United midfielder Bentley Graham could be among the first beneficiaries of Brentford’s newly formed reserve team after boss Andy Scott hinted he wouldn’t look out of place in the set-up.
The 18-year-old - playing against boss Paul Doswell’s men - shone in the Bees’ 3-1 triumph at Gander Green Lane last week and looks set to remain with the club until the start of the Ryman League Premier Division season.
Graham, who played alongside a host of trialists and reserve team prospects on Wednesday, has been training with Scott’s squad this summer with a view to moving to the west London club on a permanent basis.
The Griffin Park boss introduced the new set-up this summer to help bridge the gap between youth team football and life in League One.
And the former United striker admits the youngster has done his chances no harm in the last month.
“He came down for pre-season and has looked very good. He is comfortable on the ball,” he said.
“We need to sharpen his feet up and develop him physically, but he has got a good brain on him and is a good footballer.
“It is early days, but he hasn’t looked out of place and we will keep him around a bit longer to see if it is something for us to pursue.
“A lot of the young players out there will be in the reserve team and they need to be playing against men, with a good tempo and in games that matter.
“It is a big step up from the youth team to the first team - too big now we are in League One - and it is vital we establish a reserve team.
“It is something I’ve been looking to do since I took over and this season was right to do it.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here