Bees Abel to talent spot Stateside

9:18am Thursday 17th July 2008

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Bees boss Andy Scott has revealed the capture of American midfielder Justin Abel on a two-week trial could pave the way for more talent to follow him across the Pond.

The 24-year-old played a part in Tuesday night's 2-1 defeat at Blue Square South side Bromley, which saw Alan Connell net Brentford's first goal of the pre-season programme.

Abel, who has paid his own air-ticket in a bid to launch a professional career in the UK, will pick up a return flight to Seattle on August 24.

Scott lined up the opportunity through some contacts in the States and has not ruled out taking a look at more up and come talent in North America as he builds a squad capable of challenging for promotion.

"I've got a couple of contacts out there, who know the regional teams outside of the Major League and they thought he was at least worth a look," he said.

"He is certainly an athlete and feels he is good enough to carve out a career at this level in the UK. He played well against Bromley.

"The players have got to be of the right standard to get a trial in the first place and this is an opportunity to look at what else is about.

"We are not going to let anyone that is recommended to us have a trial, but it is an avenue we can look at for the time being if the players available are of good enough quality."

Scott is set to sit down with ex-Northampton Town defender Brett Johnson this week to discuss the trialist's options after playing in both friendlies so far - which included conceding a second-half penalty against Ipswich Town.

The Brentford manager - who told former Staines Town striker Kezie Ibe he was not wanted this week - is not looking at the 22-year-old as a replacement for departed skipper Matt Heywood.

He admitted he was still hunting another centre-back with Karleigh Osborne struggling to shake off a tight hamstring, but Scott concedes he is playing the waiting game as the league season approaches.

"I will be talking to Brett to discuss his position, but I am still looking at other targets to fill the centre-back role because we are a still little light in that area," he added.

"I'm not going to bring anyone in for the sake of it. It is a case of waiting and seeing what other players become available closer to the start of the season.

"I wouldn't want to use what I have left of the budget on one player, only to find the person I really wanted was available further down the line."