Ben Nugent joins Brentford from Cardiff City

Brentford have signed central defender Ben Nugent from Cardiff City on a half season loan.

The 20-year-old played for Cardiff in their pre-season friendly at Griffin Park on Tuesday night and completed his move to TW8 today.

He will stay with The Bees until January 5.

Ben came through the ranks at the South Wales club and was handed his First Team debut last season by Cardiff boss Malky Mackay, a former international defender himself.

He played 12 games in The Championship for Cardiff last season and played a role in the Welsh club winning promotion to the Premier League.

Brentford Manager Uwe Rösler said: “We have been looking for an extra defender to meet the needs required in our squad.

“Ben fulfils our requirements.

“He is a physical player who has presence on the pitch.

“He relishes defending and is also not afraid to receive the ball and pass it.

“Ben has enormous potential and is very highly regarded by Malky Mackay.

“I would like to thank Cardiff for allowing Ben to come to us.

“They trust us with him and trust us to give him the playing time to aid his development on the training ground and the First Team pitch.

“This deal is win-win for everyone.

“Our squad is now complete and the group now is what we will have to go in to the season.”

Mark Warburton, Brentford FC Sporting Director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ben to Griffin Park for an initial six-month loan period.

“Ben is a commanding central defender who appeared in the Championship for Cardiff City last Season and performed very well indeed.

“Malky is an excellent judge of young players and speaks very highly of Ben and as a central defender himself, knows the qualities and attributes demanded of this key position.

“Ben will be a valuable addition to the squad as we approach our first game of the Season and, along with Harlee Dean and Tony Craig, will give Uwe good options when selecting his defensive line up.

“I would like to thank Malky for his help in completing this loan deal so quickly and likewise our appreciation to the Cardiff Director of Football Iain Moody for his outstanding help.”

Ben spoke to Bees Player after completing the deal – see an interview with the defender this afternoon.