Chris Mepham hailed the impact of Brentford’s staff and players having gained a debut call-up to Ryan Giggs’ Wales squad. The young defender will link up with his countrymen this week ahead of a meeting with China on Thursday.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Chris told iFollow Brentford following The Bees’ 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough on Saturday. “It was my aim at the start of the year to gain some international recognition so for it to have come so soon is a credit to the staff and players here who have pushed me to that point. It’ll be a great experience to go out to China.”

Turning attention to Club matters, the 20-year-old said he was pleased to return to the starting XI after waiting in the wings during recent weeks.

“It’s always good competition; no one is bitter or difficult towards each other. We’re all trying to make each other better. I had a couple of weeks when I wasn’t in the team so I had to make sure I was training hard to be ready when the chance came again. It’s unfortunate that Andreas (Bjelland) has picked up an injury but I’ve got to make the most of the opportunity and cement my place in the team again.”

With Brentford heading into the international break eight points of the Play-Off positions, Chris insisted that the top six is still the target.

“Everybody knows we’ve got enough quality in the team to push the likes of Middlesbrough and the other teams above us. The games ahead will decide whether we make the Play-Offs or not – we’re confident heading into each game and that’s the important thing.”