Reece Cole knows there is room for improvement, despite impressing for Brentford in recent pre-season friendlies.

The midfielder scored twice against Aldershot and then found the net with a fine free kick against Oxford last Wednesday.

He looked comfortable in the middle against Premier League side Southampton and went close with another set piece.

But, despite a positive few weeks, Cole knows that he has to continue to improve to force his way into the Bees' matchday squad on a regular basis once the league season starts.

He said: “The last few weeks have been good but there's a lot more room for improvement.

“The goals are good and it's good to get my name out a bit more but there's a lot more room for improvement. “

Reece Cole celebrates his fine goal

Cole, who made his debut at Nottingham Forest last season, was a regular fixture in the B team and he has been learning off Bees legend Kevin O'Connor.

He added: “It's been good. Kevin knows the game. He's over 500 appearances and knows what it takes to make it into a Football League team. I've been learning little things off Kev.”

Cole, who turns 20 in February, has been at the club for five years, having supported the side from the terraces as a youngster.

And he has seen the standard at Griffin Park only improve over that time, meaning he has to work even harder to earn a spot in the side.

“I joined last under-14s so it's been a five year journey and it's only the start so I can't wait,” he said.

Goal! Sam Saunders scores Brentford's opener

“It's hard because you know the standard is getting better. You can see the squad this season is so high and you know you need to be at that level or higher.”

He added: “I used to come along with my old man and family members. We were on the terraces giving a bit of jip so I don't mind when I'm getting it now.”

The midfielder's standing in the squad is clearly high as, when the Bees had a late free kick in a shooting position against the Saints, Cole was entrusted with it.

And he cited Brentford favourite Sam Saunders as his favourite player when watching the terraces for inspiring his dead ball situations.

He explained: “Probably Sam (Saunders) the most. It's where I learned my free kicks but all of the players impressed me.

“They're all good players. I do remember his slip against Swindon, although I wasn't at that game.”

Cole would love to be involved in the Brentford first team but knows his near future may involve a temporary move away from Griffin Park for senior football. Bees head coach Dean Smith had previously revealed a loan move may be in the pipeline for the midfielder if it is right for all parties.

The midfielder explained: “My first thought is to get as many first team games as possible wherever it is. A loan may be suitable for me but it needs to be the right team and right for the two clubs.”