It's shaping up to be a week to remember for Brett Johnson.

Last Friday, his Brentford dream appeared to be over when he turned out in a friendly for Torquay United.

But Johnson rejected a two-year deal with the Gulls and put pen to paper on a year's contract with the Bees on Tuesday.

And with Brentford FC boss Andy Scott sweating on the fitness of Ryan Dickson and Sam Wood ahead of Saturday's opener at Bury, lifelong Bees fan Johnson could be handed the perfect present six days before his 23rd birthday.

Johnson said: "It would be a dream come true to make my debut at Bury.

"I played at centre-half for Aldershot and Northampton, but am comfortable at left back as well.

"It's been a month of training and hard work, and a great birthday present to finally get it sorted out.

"I always knew that I wanted to come here. I just went to Torquay to cover my back in case things didn't work out here.

"I'm not bothered that it's only a one-year deal as it keeps me on my toes. Hopefully I can prove myself and get an extension."

The deal sees the Ashford-based 22-year-old move closer to home, and he is desperate to help the club he used to watch as a boy from the Ealing Road terrace to promotion.

He added: "I'm a local lad and I'm going to give 110 per cent.

"We've got a good team together, so why can't we challenge for promotion?"

Scott is also hopeful of adding trialist Mark Phillips to his squad, but a move for Ian Pearce has been put on ice as the veteran defender has told the Bees supremo he needs three weeks to mull over his options.

For more on Johnson, and on Scott's deliberations ahead of Saturday, see today's Chronicle.

Sports editor Tim Street has tipped Brentford FC to come 6th this season - do you agree? Read his reasons and post your prediction in our Brentford forum to be published in next week's  Chronicle, out on Thursday