He has watched as friend Michael Olakigbe earned first team minutes at Brentford, now B team midfielder Angel Waruih wants to take inspiration from it as he looks to become a consistent starter with the young Bees this season.

Now in his second season at the club, Waruih has become a key member of the B team squad since signing on having initially joined on trial ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The 19-year-old was inserted into a talented team last season that eventually lifted the Premier League Cup, the development of some of those squad members something that he has taken note of for his own game.

Ryan Trevitt was one of those, the midfielder earning promotion to the first team and joining Exeter City on loan this season.

“Especially being in the same position as me and not too much older than me, it’s great to see how well he did last season, then obviously pushing onto the first team, now he’s getting his first team minutes out on loan, it’s great to see,” said Waruih.

Olakigbe is another, the rising star earning minutes in four Premier League games so far this season with the Bees.

“Especially being so close with him, seeing how much he works on and off the field, it’s great to see him getting his first team appearances in the Premier League,” said Waruih.

“Hopefully I can push on and take something from it.”

As he looks toward the end of 2023, Waruih is hoping to produce consistent form to continue to earn his minutes under coach Neil MacFarlane and assistant Sam Saunders, having played a full 90 minutes against Burnley in the side’s most recent Premier League Cup fixture, a 3-3 draw.

“Obviously being here last season and now (in) my second season, (I’ll) be wanting to get more consistent minutes,” said Waruih.

“I think that’s the main thing, being consistent and then you’ll get your opportunities. Same with me, if I stay consistent, I’ll get my opportunities to play and be a regular starter.

“I think they (MacFarlane and Saunders) have helped me massively since coming in, not just the physical side of it, also mentally, watching the games back, they’ve helped a lot.”

Waruih admits this campaign’s pre-season was an adjustment with a handful of new players joining the B team squad, however, he added that the group is starting to find its chemistry as the season progresses.

“I think at first it was tough in pre-season obviously with a lot of new faces, the group is younger compared to last season,” said Waruih.

“I think especially with the game against Burnley, you can see it’s starting to come together, things are starting to gel together.

“Even in the changing room you see everyone’s laughing and joking … playing pool, table tennis, playing UNO, little things like that, you can see how close the group are.”