Brentford have signed 18-year-old defender Jack Uttridge on a short-term Academy contract.

The teenager has joined The Bees’ youth set-up on a dual registration basis until the end of the season, meaning he will also be available to play for current club Histon.

Jack, a left sided defender, has been on trial with Brentford’s Academy, playing four games for the Youth Team in the Under-18 Professional Development League.

He also played once for the Development Squad and scored in a 3-2 win over Ipswich Town in an Under-21 Professional Development League Two South game last month.

His deal will enable him to play for Brentford’s Youth Team and Development Squad until the end of the season.

Ose Aibangee, Brentford FC Academy Director, said: “Jack spent some time with us and we have liked what we have seen so far.

“He is a strong defender and did not look out of place against an experience Ipswich side in the Under-21 game.

“This will enable us to play him in our remaining fixtures.

“We have three important games remaining that he will be available for, one at Under-18 level and two under-21 fixtures.

“We want to win those games and Jack can help us do that.

“There is a great youth set-up at Histon and Jack is one of a number of talented players coming through.

“We hope we can develop a good relationship with them.”

Josh Rees has returned to Arsenal at the completion of his loan spell at Griffin Park.

The 19-year-old joined The Bees on loan from the Premier League side at the end of February.

He played three games in the Under-21 Professional Development League, scoring twice in the win over Charlton Athletic.

Ose added: “Josh has been with Arsenal for a long time and I worked with him as a young player.

“He did well for us and showed his quality in his three games and in training.

“We will be keeping tabs on Josh over the next few months and see what the future holds for him at Arsenal.”

Details concerning scholarships, for players currently in the Under-16 squad, with Brentford’s Academy and any professional Development Squad contracts offered will be announced on www.brentfordfc.co.uk in due course.