Bolton captain Darren Pratley believes he would not have had the career he would have had were it not for Brentford taking a chance on him 10 years ago.

The Bees brought the midfielder in on loan from Fulham at the back end of the 2004/05 season as they lost in the League One play-off semi finals against Sheffield Wednesday.

He returned to Griffin Park the following season and helped the club finish third, where they were denied by Swansea at the same stage in the post-season lottery.

He subsequently moved on to the Swans and then Bolton and will lead the Trotters out against Brentford on Monday night.

“If it wasn't for Brentford and Martin Allen taking a risk on me I wouldn't have had the career I've had,” he said.

“The fans helped pay my wages at one point. I think they had a whip round to help pay it. I had a good time there. I enjoyed my time there.”

He added: “The fans were good to me when I was there. I'm grateful for the chance they gave me. I wish them well but obviously not on Monday night.”

Darren Pratley celebrates scoring the second goal for Bolton Wanderers
Now: Darren Pratley

Pratley believed his career benefited from going out and playing men's football and experienced the pressures and pain of a promotion chase.

He explained: “Going from reserve team football to playing league football was a big step for me.

“It was gutting to lose to Sheffield Wednesday in the semi final but it was a good experience to have.

“The following season we lost to Swansea in the play-offs. It was a good loan move for me playing in a League One side challenging for promotion.”

Pratley listed his favourite moments as the play-off games, the FA Cup runs, working with Martin Allen and scoring the winner against Nottingham Forest at The City Ground.

In pictures: Brentford's latest win over Forest

Wins over the Tricky Trees have followed since but, for the club at the time, it was a significant result.

Pratley reflected: “It was a massive game for Brentford at the time. There were 15,000 fans at the game and to go there and win was massive, especially against one of the favourites to go back up.

“We had loads of good players at that time who have gone on to play at a higher level. There was a good team spirit in the camp.

“Martin Allen is a character and everyone enjoyed playing with him. I enjoyed Charlton away when he had the fan on the bench and he was on the touchline barking orders.

“I still keep in touch with some of the boys. I enjoyed the whole experience at Brentford. I keep an eye on their results now.

“Brentford were the first club that gave me a chance. I keep an eye on the players I played with as well.”