Brentford B were victorious in two out of their three games in March with the wins coming against Hitchin Town and Rangers B - and Ethan Brierley contributed positively and scored in both games.

While quietly impressing for Neil MacFarlane’s side this season, the youngster made his debut for the first team in Brentford’s EFL Cup fixture against Newport County earlier this term, and he credits his opportunities with the senior squad to the support of the coaching staff, notably singling out MacFarlane for his mentorship and guidance.

“It has been so great to be able to train and be on the bench for the first team," he begins.

"I view this as the first step, and I have to continue to work hard to get to that next level.

"I do not believe there is anything wrong in being proud of my accomplishments so far, I just want to make sure that I am doing everything I can to not rest on my laurels.

“I think Neil and the rest of the coaching team have been very hands on, they have given me a lot of support and a lot of advice on where I should be, and when to make certain decisions, which make it more instinctive when I am in a game scenario.

“When I have been with the first team, the coaches have been very good to me too; they take pride in ensuring that we understand the instructions that they are giving to us, especially as young players.”

Brierley also gives props to his midfield partner Riley Owen, whose anchoring presence affords him the freedom to do much more on the pitch.

“Playing alongside Riley has been class,” he remarks, “His role as the midfield anchor allows me to roam forward, create chances and find the back of the net.

“It massively helps that Riley is a technician so you can trust him with the ball, even when he is under pressure. This helps me to perform, with the freedom I need, knowing that I have a team-mate who I can rely on.

“In football, you want to be able to trust the people you play alongside. It is not just about having confidence in your own ability, it also about having confidence in the players around you. That is what allows a team to perform to their highest level.”

The recent surge in Brierley's goalscoring exploits, including a great volley in the 3-1 victory over Hitchin, highlights his versatility and adaptability.

"Scoring three goals in as many games has been fun,” he admits. “I relish the opportunity to operate in a more box-to-box capacity, though I’m equally able to be a deep-lying playmaker. I think it can only help my game if I continue to play in a variety of roles.

“This is a key difference between where I am now and where I was before: I have more of a chance at trying new positions or roles, I want to maximise my talents, and I am always excited about playing different roles and meeting the needs of the coaching staff.”

Brierley's journey to Brentford is marked by sacrifice. Having left his family behind in Rochdale to pursue his footballing dreams, the 20-year-old wants to make them proud: “Leaving my family was a sacrifice, but their belief in me fuels my ambition.

“It’s not just about football, it’s about personal growth too. I love my family and when I get the chance to see them it is always great. I try to see them as much as I can.”

Looking ahead, Brierley remains steadfast in his pursuit of success: “I’m focused on continuous growth and development. Each day presents an opportunity to learn, evolve and contribute to the team’s success.”