From McDonald's to Brentford - youngsters on their football journeys

Brentford B youngsters Ashley Hay and Benjamin Arthur (pictured above) have revealed their journeys to being on the cusp of the Premier League.

Hay, signed from Hitchen Town aged 20 in January, said: "I was originally working at McDonald's and playing in a step five league for a club called Baldock Town.

"I was 17 at the time, having fun, enjoying myself, scoring goals. I worked my way up to step four while doing a plumbing apprenticeship, then up to step three with Hitchin Town.

"I got approached by Brentford for a trial. I was buzzing and wanted to keep going higher but never expected to go this far. It was a very big step up.

"I've had to work from nine to five, getting up early and training in the week [after work] so I never take anything for granted. I am very happy and blessed. I hope to go all the way to the top and play for the first team."

Arthur, 18, is a central defender with England youth international experience and has had a more straightforward journey since moving from Peterborough United.

He even made the first-team squad twice last season as a unused substitute against Arsenal and Swindon Town, but admits he almost lost his dream about the age of 16.

He said: "Peterborough weren't sure about whether they were going to give me a scholarship.

"I was on the waiting list for a few months and that made me more hungry to make it professionally. I was looking at plan Bs and Cs if football didn't work out.

"I was 17 when I came here and signed from Peterborough after an England Under-18s call-up.

"I think the England call up got hype around my name and I was honoured that Brentford came in. I jumped at the opportunity."

Brentford B have entered the Under-21s leagues for the first time and are targeting immediate promotion. "I think we will bring home the title," added a confident Arthur.

The duo were speaking at an event in honour of Robert Rowan, the former Brentford technical director who died of a heart attack at the age of 28 in 2018.

The Bees continue to back research and awareness projects on heart conditions through the Heart of West London charity.

"It's an amazing foundation. It's interesting to see the work that’s going on," Arthur added. "The work people like Christian Eriksen have done has given exposure to heart problems and it can help people around the world."