Brentford U21 skipper James Ferry may be heading out of loan to Wycombe Wanderers, but it is only in a bid to further his growing reputation at Griffin Park.

The 18-year-old defensive midfielder signed a 28-day youth loan with the Adams Park outfit on Thursday in search of first team football.

Ferry captained a young Brentford squad to the Milk Cup youth tournament title in Northern Ireland in 2012 and has retained the captain’s armband ever since.

And after working with former Bees head coach Lee Carsley at U21 and first team level he is keen to continue his footballing education under Chairboys boss Gareth Ainsworth.

The path to Buckinghamshire is a well trodden one for ex-Bees with Sam Wood, Marcus Bean, Paul Hayes and Bees legends Terry Evans and Jamie Bates all havinbg turned out for the Adams Park outfit on a permanent basis.

But it is the example of current Brentford full back Nico Yennaris, who spent a spell on loan at Wycombe last term with fellow Bee Sam Saunders, that Ferry wants to follow.  

“When I was informed about the opportunity to go out on loan to Wycombe – and get the opportunity to experience life in the Football League – it didn’t take much convincing," he said.

“As a young pro, all you want to do is play football. There is no substitute to playing football and gaining as much pitch-time as possible.

“I consider myself very fortunate, as I got to work under Lee Carsley last season, and now I get to work under him as Brentford’s first team manager. He is a top coach and has really helped me to develop.

“I recognise that the step up from U21s’ football to playing week-in week-out in the Championship is quite a big jump, so going out on loan to Wycombe will really help me to find that middle ground and fine-tune certain areas of my game.

"I’m relishing the challenge and obviously need to work hard to push for a first team shirt.

“I have spoken to some of the other lads who have been out on loan recently. They have all enjoyed their loan spells and the benefits of being involved or playing regular first team football.

“I think it’s fair to say that Brentford’s achievements over the past two years speak for themselves, and it’s great to feel part of that success story.

"And with a new stadium on the horizon, it’s a nice carrot to have dangled in front of you. It really spurs you on.

“I feel in great shape at the moment – and long may it continue. I am really looking forward to going on loan to Wycombe for the next month or so.

"If I can make a few first team appearances along the way, then all the better."