Goalkeeper Mark Smith has won his battle to secure a professional future at Championship club Brentford.

The 19-year-old, who penned a one-year deal yesterday, was part of the Bees' U21 squad that finished eighth in last season’s Professional Development League (South) and enjoyed a very successful loan spell with Hampton & Richmond Borough.

It is a dramatic turn of fortunes for the teenager after he was told he would not be offered a new deal at Griffin Park in March - when news of boss Mark Warburton's departure was announced.

Smith, who switched to the Bees from QPR in 2014, cut short his loan deal at Ryman Premier League Hampton to fight for his future.

And he is delighted the move paid off following the arrival of new head coach Marinus Dijkhuizen, although it might not have happened but for the influence of Bees keeping coach Simon Royce.

“Playing for this [Brentford] football club is like being home from home," he said.

"It’s a club I have supported as far back as I can remember, and one that would mean everything to grace the hallow turf in front of the stands where I used to watch Paul Smith [2000 - 2004].

“I have never been an advocate of luck. I’m firm believer that, if you train hard and look after yourself – both on and off the pitch, you’ll eventually get your chance to shine.

“In my opinion, there’s never been a better time to be at Brentford. I learned a lot from training with Simon [Royce], David [Button], Richard Lee and Jack Bonham last season, which has enabled me to fine-tune my overall game and push on this coming season.

“The club is also continually looking to invest in good training facilities, and has a realistic vision about where it wants the club to be in two to three years time, which is important for a young player like me."

Smith will now form part of a three-strong goalkeeping trio when Dijkhuizen’s new-look squad reconvenes for pre-season training in Osterley on July 1.