Brentford's first signing of the January transfer window, Lewis MacLeod, hopes his move south of the border can help make him a regular in the Scotland international squad.

MacLeod is to sign for Brentford
MacLeod has joined Brentford

Brentford will pay an initial £850,000 with the fee rising to a possible £1.3 million with add ons.

The Scottish midfielder has represented his country at U16, U18 and U21 level and was recently called up to the squad that faced England, although he is yet to win a senior cap.

The 20-year-old was well thought of at Ibrox, making his debut at 18-years-old when Rangers began their climb back up the Scottish leagues.

MacLeod scored eight goals in 21 appearances for Rangers this season in all competitions and also picked up the Scottish Professional Football League’s young player of the month award for November.

Speaking about the move to the Brentford website the 20-year-old said, "It was hard to leave but I have to look forward now."

He continued: "If I can come in and play that would be brilliant but I need to keep working hard.

"Hopefully I can play more games and get seen. I want to be involved in a lot more national squads and it is my aim to do so.

"I am buzzing to complete the move and I’m really looking forward to it."

Brentford assistant manager David Weir also spoke about the bargain deal for the Scotland U21 international.

Speaking to the Daily Record the former Ranger centre back said, "I’m sure Rangers fans will be asking why one of their best players is going to the English Championship to play at a perceived smaller club like Brentford.

"They would think if someone was leaving – especially somebody as good as Lewis – they would be going to the Premier League for a big fee. It’s a sign of the times more than anything we’ve been able to get him. It’s not particularly nice for Rangers fans, some thing I am myself.”

The Bees currently sit in sixth position in the Sky Bet Championship table, and lie eight points off of league leaders AFC Bournemouth.