Brentford B defender Caelan Avenell is remaining "focused" as the young Bees face Luton Town on Sunday afternoon in their final Premier League Cup group game (12pm kick-off GMT).
A run of positive results means that Sam Saunders' side just need to avoid defeat to progress to the knockout stages of the competition.
Since returning from injury, Caelan Avenell has featured in a Professional Development League game against Swansea City and a PL Cup game against West Bromwich Albion.
After coming out of both games with assured performances, Avenell is determined to build his confidence through more game time.
“I’m really pleased to be back from injury and involved with the team again,” he said. “It’s been a good feeling to get minutes under my belt, and I’m grateful for the faith the gaffer has shown in me since I returned.
"The medical staff were brilliant while I was on the sidelines, and I really appreciate the time and care they put into helping me get back to where I need to be."
He continued: “For me, the focus now is just to finish the year strong and keep improving as a player.
“I’m trying to build on each performance, keep things steady, and make sure I’m doing the basics well. That’s what will help me grow over the long term.”
Reflecting on the team’s recent form, Avenell added: “As a group, we’re feeling really confident. Winning back-to-back home games in the PL Cup, the 3-0 win against Exeter and then the 5-1 win against West Brom has given us real momentum.
"We’ve shown what we’re capable of, and now the challenge is to keep that level going every time we step onto the pitch."
On the Luton clash, he went on to say: “This is a big game for us, but we’ve proved already that we can handle those moments.
“Even when I was injured, I made sure I stayed focused, whether that was in the gym, in meetings, or watching from the side. Now that I’m back, I just want to show what I can do and contribute as much as possible.
“As players, all we can do is showcase our abilities, follow the instructions we’re given, and perform when it matters. If we keep doing that together, then the results will take care of themselves.”
Last Time Out
Brentford were dominant as they produced a five-star performance to beat West Brom 5-1 at Wheatsheaf Park last time out.
Michel Boni and Iwan Morgan starred in the game as they both grabbed braces in response to the Baggies, who opened the scoring.
Kyrie Pierre struck an impressive shot from distance to score the fifth of the game and his second in three games.
The win meant that the Bees are now top of Group E, having played a game more than the Baggies, who sit in second.
About Luton Town U21s
Luton sit bottom of Group E in the Premier League Cup after four games, having recorded one win, no draws and three losses, with a –9 goal difference.
Their only victory came in a 2–1 home win over Exeter City. In the reverse fixture against the young Bees, Saunders’ side ran out 6–1 winners, with Paris Maghoma, Fábio Carvalho (2), Romelle Donovan, Myles Peart-Harris and Yunus Emre Konak all getting on the scoresheet.
Luton now make the trip to Wheatsheaf Park looking to respond, while Brentford B aim to maintain their strong form heading into their final group game.
Ticket Information
Tickets for Sunday afternoon are available online here.
Media Coverage
The club will have updates of the game against Luton Town on social media, as well as a match report on the club's website and app.