Chelsea youngster Adrian Pettigrew admits he is staggered to find himself an ever-present in the Brentford team after arriving at Griffin Park expecting to be only on the fringes.

The 20-year-old centre-half or midfielder, whose loan has been extended until October 11, says: "It really is amazing and I'm delighted to be playing a big part in helping Brentford challenge for promotion."

Pettigrew and former skipper Kevin O'Connor are the only two players to have appeared in all nine of the Bees' competitive games this season and the pair should again be key in this Saturday's home League Two game against Stockport.

Being thrown in at the deep end at Brentford means Pettigrew has been taken on to the next level by manager Terry Butcher following the great grounding he received at Chelsea under their former maestro, Jose Mourinho.

As Pettigrew points out: "Terry has been able to pass on a lot of tips to me as I am in his first team.

"At Chelsea, I was in the reserves and, although I trained with the first team squad from time to time, Mr Mourinho obviously could not give me one-to-one coaching.

"But his talks and training methods were inspirational to us all - he is such a great coach.

"It was a tremendous motivational experience to be training with world-class players and excellent coaches. Chelsea set the highest standards and that was so uplifting."

Obviously, it is more down-to-earth at Griffin Park.

But Pettigrew says: "I love it at Brentford. There is a tremendous spirit among the players and the staff and I'm gaining invaluable experience.

"When I first arrived, I thought I might be just travelling with the first team squad and perhaps sitting on the subs' bench.

"It's worked out far better than I expected and to be involved in every game so far is wonderful."

But the return to fitness of other defenders, including skipper John Mackie, and the recall of Darius Charles from Sutton United, means Pettigrew is now facing stronger competition.

He acknowledges: "I need to maintain my form and perhaps step up a gear to ensure I keep my place.

"I have improved parts of my game since I've been at Brentford.

"I've benefited from the fact Terry was a top international centre-half and has given me great advice.

"I'd like to repay him by helping Brentford get into the promotion places - and we're not far off them."