Montell Moore thinks that Brentford’s Academy is on the cusp of creating a production line of talent into The Bees’ first-team.

The 18-year-old was speaking to Bees Review, Brentford's match day programme, after being awarded a Development Squad contract following a fine season for both Youth Team and Development Squad this season.

Montell leads the Youth Team’s scoring charts this year with nine goals in 15 games to add to his five goals as an Under 17 last season.

He scored his first Development Squad goal in the defeat to Queens Park Rangers last month and has made seven appearances for Jon De Souza’s side this season.

Montell, who joined The Academy as the age of seven, believes that the Academy has made huge strides forward in recent years, creating a great environment for creating future professional footballers.

With the amount of talent coming through Montell believes that fans at Griffin Park will soon be seeing the fruits of the Academy’s work on a weekly basis.

“Things are much better now than when I started here,” said Montell.

“When I first started we didn’t have any of the coaching or back-up staff that we have now.

“People like Richard Clarke, Darren Stern and the coaches are all there for us to get the best out of us.

“The facilities now are much better here.

“In my time here there have only really been a few guys come through the ranks.

“People like Kevin O’Connor, Karleigh Osborne, Jake Reeves and Charlie Adams are the only ones to have come through the Academy.

“I am really happy to have come through.

“With the coaching that is going on now I think there will be a lot more players coming through from now on.”

Living in Brentford and having spent 11 years with the Academy Montell admits it would mean everything to him to represent The Bees at first-team level.

The striker was delighted to have been offered a Development Squad contract moving forward but he knows that is only one step on the way to first-team football.

“I am very pleased to have been offered a development squad contract,” said Montell.

“Now I have to work hard and try and get a contract for the first team.

“Ose Aibangee, Jeremy Steele and the rest of the coaching staff told me that this was one step getting this contract now I have to work towards the next step which is a first-team contract.

“I haven’t achieved anything yet because I still have to get a contract for the first team.

“My goal for next year is to get on the bench for the first-team and hopefully come on.

“It would mean everything for me.

“I live in Brentford and I have been here almost all of my life.

“Once that happens I will set myself a new goal and I will keep going from there.”

Montell has already tasted Development Squad football this season, making seven appearances for Jon De Souza’s side in the U21 Professional Development League Two South.

In his appearances this season Montell has lined up against players of the calibre of Andy Johnson, Modibo Maïga, Luke Young and Dwight Gayle.

Montell said he has really enjoyed the experience and challenge of playing Development Squad football and learning from being on the same pitch as top class players.

“The coaching staff felt maybe I was too comfortable playing with my own age group and that I played better when I stepped up,” said Montell.

“I have enjoyed the challenge of playing up.

“It is a huge step going from Youth Team to Development Squad and it will be another huge step from Development Squad to First-Team.

“Playing with the Development Squad is good because you are playing against experienced players.

“This year I have played against people coming back from injury like Andy Johnson and Modibo Maïga.

“What I have learnt from watching these guys playing on the pitch is that they are sharp.

“They are always alert and their work rate is second to none and they want to play football.

“Everyone wants to play up because it feels like a challenge.

“You know you are progressing if you are playing up and you feel that people are giving you a chance because you are playing well.”