Brentford on-loan defender James Wilson reckons the rise to fame of former Bee Michael Turner is a well-trodden path he would like to follow.

The 20-year-old centre-back has starred for boss Andy Scott’s men since switching to Griffin Park on a three-month loan deal from Championship side Bristol City.

It is a similar sort of agreement that first brought £6million Sunderland star Turner to west London when he was a youngster at Charlton Athletic in August 2004, before then boss Martin Allen persuaded him to make the move permanent.

The 25-year-old enjoyed two successful seasons with the Bees before signing for Hull City and subsequently the Black Cats, while at the same time coming to the attention of England boss Fabio Capello.

Wilson himself is on the fringes of the Wales U21 starting line-up having made his mark during Brentford’s League Two winning campaign and impressing in seven games for the club so far this season.

And the youngster admits Turner’s blue print is one he’d like to match having seen his first team chances at Ashton Gate scuppered after enjoying a promising pre-season.

“I played most of the friendlies at Bristol before the season started and thought I was going to be involved, but they brought the big guns back and I didn’t get a look in,” he said.

“I could have just knocked around in the reserves, but I want to be playing. Doing what Michael did by coming to Brentford is a good approach for young players and he shows it works.

“Once the gaffer got in touch I was always going to come. I love being here. The manager has been brilliant. He is helping me develop my game and I’m just enjoying playing regularly.”