Young Ramsgate defender Louie Procopi is going on trial with Premier League club Brentford.

Procopi, 17, has made a big impression since joining the Rams from Thanet rivals Margate this summer.

He’s been scouted by the Bees and will have plenty of time to make his mark, according to Rams boss Ben Smith.

“He’s going to Brentford on an eight-week trial,” said Smith.

“It just shows what can be done.

“We’ve given him exposure, he’s been training with some really experienced players and he’s been like a sponge.

“We’ve got players here with Football League experience who had conversations with their former agents, which is how he came to Brentford’s attention.

“They said they were looking for young centre-backs and they passed the name forward.

“Brentford then came and watched him and obviously we play out from the back, he’s a good size, quick - pretty much everything they’ve been looking for.

“The fact he comes with good recommendations as well, it’s a no-brainer for them to have a look at him.”

Ramsgate won’t be entitled to a fee should Brentford’s interest come to anything, with Procopi at Southwood on non-contract terms.

That doesn’t worry the club, though, who are looking firmly at the bigger picture.

“You can’t have under-18s on contract but it’s not about the money,” said Smith.

“The club couldn’t care less about the money.

“It’s about the player and inspiring others - that’s what this is all about - and I think he’s got a good chance there.”

Meanwhile, Ramsgate have boosted their forward options by signing Javaun Splatt from Whitehawk.

The striker had a brief spell at Rams a year ago, rejoining Whitehawk before making a competitive appearance.

He’s back at Southwood and ready to make an impression.

“I’ve been looking to add another striker and he was available,” said Smith.

“Whitehawk have signed quite a few strikers, him being one of them, but he sees himself fitting more into what we’re doing.

“He’s a goalscorer, he links the play well, he runs in behind - he does a bit of everything and he’s only 22.

“I’ve been tasked with challenging for promotion but also James (Lawson, chairman) wants young players coming through.

“I’ve never met a chairman more passionate about getting young players through.

“Sometimes the two ambitions we’ve got at the club can contradict each other because it’s hard blooding young players when every point matters.

“But the investment in terms of time, effort, money and resources he puts into bringing players through from the under-13s all the way up to the under-18s and trying to get them into the first team is mental.

“God knows how he finds time to do his day job but that’s one of the big draws in coming to Ramsgate, you’ve got passionate people like that.

“He could literally say I don’t want anything to do with youth football, I just want to concentrate on the first team but that’s never going to happen.

“He cares so much about the community and hopefully in my time here we can bring some of these youngsters through.”

Alfie Paxman’s penalty and goals from Jack Paxman and Joe Ellul saw Rams beat Minster 3-1 to lift the Thanet Cup last Tuesday, followed by 3-2 win at VCD 48 hours later.

Ramsgate beat their own under-23 side 7-0 on Saturday after scheduled friendly opponents Bowers & Pitsea pulled out.

There’s no game this weekend although Rams may look to arrange one more midweek friendly before completing their pre-season programme at Lewes on August 5.