Brentford B defender Edon Pruti believes that his experience playing men’s football will serve him well as he looks to continue his development with the young Bees.

The 20-year-old joined the B Team just before Deadline Day from National League South side Slough Town having also gained experience with Hanwell Town in recent seasons. He also spent a short period with the Bees prior to the start of the 2021/22 season.

“I’m very pleased," explained Edon after signing a deal until the end of the 2022/23 season with an option of an additional year. “It’s been a long time coming so I’m happy to get it over the line.

“Last pre-season I came in as part of the B Team. I learned a lot from Neil (MacFarlane) and Saunds (Sam Saunders) because they are great coaches. It wasn’t the right time to sign, and I went elsewhere. The picture has changed now, and I feel like now is the right time to sign for Brentford.”

Having stepped out to play with Hanwell in non-league, Edon gained some brilliant experience against men’s sides before he earned a move to Slough who play higher up the pyramid.

“It’s very physical, men’s football, it’s aggressive and tough and I felt like that has benefited me and added more to my game,” said the defender. “Slough was then a step up from Hanwell, the tempo was quicker as well as that physical element which I really enjoyed. I was able to play in front of some big crowds which was something I really liked. Once you start playing men’s football it only makes you a better player, for sure.”

So, what can we expect to see from the new recruit as he sets about a successful campaign in red and white working under Neil MacFarlane and his staff.

“I like to defend my box; I like to make sure that I’m physical and good in the air," said the youngster. “At Brentford you also have to be good on the ball and that’s an area that I am developing and think it’s becoming a strong point of my game.”

Edon joins at a time where the B Team has seen a large change in the playing squad with players from the ages of 16, 17 and 18 all being brought in to develop their game with the ultimate aim of pushing into that first team group when required. As a 20-year-old who has played men’s football over the past year, Edon feels he can be a real leader for the group.

He continued: “Being brought in as one of the older players will help the other players in this group and guide them in a way. If I can teach them little things about how to adapt and show how important it is to be loud and on the front foot, it will make everyone a better player. Lining up alongside Nico and Tristan, who are good friends of mine, they are both top, top players who defend their box and are good on the ball so I’m excited to play alongside them. I want to play as many games and win as many games as possible and whatever comes will come which is all I can ask of myself.”