Rico Henry has become the second Brentford player in as many weeks to sign a new long-term contract. The 22-year-old follows Ollie Watkins in putting pen to paper on a new four-year deal, taking him through to the summer of 2023.

Birmingham-born Henry came through the ranks at Walsall, going on to make his professional debut in December 2014. He was named Walsall’s Young Player of the Year the following May before truly announcing himself during the 2015-16 campaign. He made 44 appearances, scored three goals, signed a new three-year contract and won England youth recognition as The Saddlers reached the League One Play-Offs. He picked up the September Football League Young Player of the Month award, in addition to being named in the League One PFA Team of the Year and receiving a nomination for the Football League Young Player of the Year award.

In August 2016, Henry joined former Walsall boss Dean Smith at Griffin Park but had to wait until the following February to make his debut due to a shoulder injury. He made 12 appearances to the end of that campaign and a further eight at the start of the following season before a serious knee injury sidelined him for 14 months. Rico returned in November 2018 and scored his first Brentford goal during the 3-1 home win against Stoke City in January. So far this term, Rico has played every minute in the Sky Bet Championship as he closes in on 100 professional appearances.

Brentford FC Head Coach Thomas Frank said: “I am absolutely delighted to see another of our exciting young players extend their stay with us. Rico has been very unlucky with injuries over the last couple of years, but he has been flying so far this season. I feel that Rico can be the best full-back or wing-back in the league and I look forward to seeing what he has to come.”