Brentford Youth Team defender Gradi Milenge has joined Vanarama Conference South Farnborough FC on loan.

The powerful centre half has signed a one-month Youth Loan at the Hampshire club.

The 18-year-old will join them for training ahead of the FA Trophy tie against Maidenhead United on Saturday, January 10, and will remain with Farnborough until February 8.

Gradi made seven appearances for the Youth Team during the 2012/13 season when he was part of the Under-16 squad and then signed a two-year scholarship at the end of that season.

He established himself in the Youth Team last season making 24 appearances and has captained Brentford’s Under-18s this year, playing almost every game.

Gradi also stepped up to Development Squad football and made four appearances for Brentford's Under-21s during the 2013/14 season.

He has made a further two this season.

Gradi’s performances earned him the Youth Team Player of the Year award last season after a unanimous vote by his teammates.

Ose Aibangee, Brentford FC Academy Director, said: “Gradi is a player that has grown accustomed to playing above his age group.

“He did not look out of place in the Development Squad last season, despite being 17, and he is competing for a spot in that team this season against First Team players.

“Farnborough have given him a chance to play men’s football and that is the next stage of his development.

“He has the physique to deal with football at that level but he has to learn what it is like to play against men.

“All our young players learn a lot when they play in non-league football.

“Gradi will find out a bit more about himself and what it is like to play for three points every week and we will learn about him as a player.”