Tyrell Miller-Rodney said he felt “fantastic” after signing his first professional contract.
The central midfield man put pen to paper at Griffin Park on Tuesday to become part of Brentford’s Development Squad for the 2013/14 season.
The 19-year-old signed on as a Youth Team player in 2011 and completed his two-year scholarship in the summer.
He signed a one-year contract that he said was reward for his hard work.
“It feels fantastic,” he told Bees Player after signing the deal.
“It was a long hard season, I worked hard and I have my reward with a professional contract.
“I had to graft to get to this stage.
“It hasn’t all been plain sailing but I got there in the end.
“I had to go to trials at other clubs, and at Brentford, before I got signed as a 17-year-old.
“I spent time training on my own.
“I had to find the right club and hopefully I have.
“I wanted to put my all in to the trial games to get noticed.
“I did well and I got my chance.”
Tyrell was too old to play for the Youth Team last season so was part of the successful Development Squad group, despite not being a professional.
The Development Squad finished fourth in the inaugural Under-21 Professional Development League Two South table, winning 12 of their 20 games.
Tyrell played 11 games in a season where he suffered with injuries and had to step aside when First Team players needed game time in the Under-21 fixtures.
He said he wanted to progress in 2013/14 and secure his longer term future at the Club.
“I had injuries during the season and First Team players were often involved at Under-21 level,” said Tyrell.
“I found it hard to get games at times.
“When I got time I tried to utilise them and get noticed.
“I thought I did that.
“I have been working hard in the off season.
“I want to progress this season, force my way in to the First Team picture and then get another contract.
“This has to be the year for me.
“If you play well, regardless of age, you will get opportunities.
“The gaffer has shown that.
“You have to play well and put the work in.”
Tyrell said he was looking forward to pre-season and was aware how important it was for him.
“Pre-season is essential for me,” he said.
“I have to get as much out of it as possible in terms of fitness and improving the technical and tactical parts of the game.
“I am looking forward to it.
“I have been counting the days down.
“I like the way we do it here.
“I am looking forward to the games coming up too, I am buzzing.”
A full video interview with Tyrell Miller-Rodney is available here for Bees Player subscribers.