Brentford goalkeeper Richard Lee is pleased with the progress he is making as he recovers from a shoulder operation.

The stopper underwent an operation in March to repair his shoulder.

He had been due for exploratory surgery this summer but the procedure was brought forward after he suffered a heavy fall while warming up against Carlisle United.

Richard said his rehabilitation was going well and he had been working with the Club’s Head of Medical Neil Grieg almost every day.

He said he was now strengthening the area ahead of a full return.

“It has gone really well,” said the goalkeeper, speaking to Bees Player.

“Since the Play-Off Final I have been in pretty much full time.

“I have been working with Neil Greig and I am pleased.

“It I was an outfield player I would be playing but my shoulder needs to be able to withstand me throwing myself in to the top corner and landing heavily.

“It will need strength work to get there.

“Things are progressing well.”

Brentford’s players return for pre-season training next week.

Richard said he would be able to take some part in pre-season and has already been working on areas that do not put pressure on his shoulder.

He explained he had also taken a break over the summer as it was important to be refreshed for the new campaign.

“I will be involved with pre-season,” said Richard.

“I will be able to do bits.

“Even though I am injured I will try to get involved as much as I can which will be better than the end of last season, when I couldn’t.

“With my injury I have been able to do work this summer that doesn’t involve my shoulder.

“I have also had a break; it was a long season last season.

“If you don’t have time to clear the mind it can be dangerous.

“Everyone needs to come back refreshed and ready to go.

“I hope I have the balance right.”

Brentford came within a whisker of promotion to The Championship last season and Richard said he was confident they could go one step further next term.

The Bees missed a stoppage time penalty on the final day of the League One season against Doncaster Rovers and would have been promoted if it had gone in.

They then lost the Play-Off Final to Yeovil Town at Wembley.

Richard said he felt Brentford’s players would use what happened to drive them on for next season.

“I am very confident we can go one step further next year,” he said.

“I would worry with some squads.

“I think we will use what happened as a drive.

“We know we have the talent in the squad and the set-up.

“There are strong characters in the dressing room.

“The odd team gets a Play-Off hangover; I don’t think we will have that here.”

Bees Player subscribers can see an interview with Richard Lee here.