After Brentford's co-directors of football Phil Giles and Rasmus Ankersen made the brave decision to re-structure Brentford's academy set up and withdraw completely from the Professional Development League system, questions were raised.

However, the Championship club has made the bold decision in order to continue their philosophy which is to create a clear pathway for academy graduates to break into the first team squad.

As Brentford are unable to compete financially with the biggest clubs in the division, the London club has to be creative when it comes to player recruitment which includes utilising the academy system to its maximum potential.

Brentford's transfer policy of signing promising young talents from the lower leagues suggest that the Championship side is a good place for developing young talent.

Although Tom Field is the only academy graduate in Brentford's first team squad at this moment in time, Dean Smith will be hoping that more can breakthrough.

This article looks at TWO wonderkids who could emerge for Brentford in the second half of the season.

Marc Rio Borruel

Marc Rio Borruel is a very highly rated and highly talented Spanish forward who joined the Championship side from European giants FC Barcelona in July 2016.

The 20-year-old striker came through the prestigious La Masia academy system which unearthed some of the most talented footballers in world football.

After Marc Rio was released by FC Barcelona, Brentford moved quickly to sign the Spaniard amid interest from a number of clubs across continental Europe.

With the experience of playing in the high-profile UEFA Youth League competition for FC Barcelona, Rio scored and got an assist in seven UEFA Youth League appearances.

The highly versatile forward could be one of a number of academy players who are currently part of 'Brentford B' who Dean Smith could opt to promote for the second half of the season.

Justin Shaibu

As well as Marc Rio Borruel, promising Danish forward Justin Shaibu joined Brentford from the Danish Superliga side HB Köge.

The 19-year-old striker is one of the brightest prospects coming out of Scandinavia, having already become a regular in Denmark's Under-18 side.

Justin Shaibu has gone on to make his senior debut for Brentford in the defeat to Exeter City in the first round of the EFL Cup.

Following the departure of Scott Hogan, Dean Smith may opt to promote from within the club and Shaibu could be given an opportunity to be more heavily involved in Brentford's first team set-up.

If he is given the opportunity to feature for the senior side, Justin Shaibu could emerge as a star for Brentford in the second half of the season.