Brentford have signed former Queens Park Rangers striker Antonio German on a Development Squad contract.

The 20-year-old signed a deal this afternoon to keep him at Griffin Park until the end of the 2012/13 season.

Antonio joined QPR as a schoolboy and turned professional in 2009, making his debut on the final day of the 2008/09 season.

He played 20 games for the Shepherd's Bush side, scoring three times, and had loan spells at Aldershot Town, Southend United and Yeovil Town before he left in August and signed for Stockport County.

Antonio left Stockport earlier this month when his contract expired and had been playing for Bromley on a non-contract basis before agreeing terms with Brentford.

He said it was the chance to get back in to the Football League that appealed to him.

"Stockport wanted me to stay but I wanted to try my luck in the Football League," said Antonio, who described himself as a centre forward.

"I came down to Brentford for a trial for a week, I played a game yesterday, they obviously liked what they saw and here I am.

"The league is where I want to be.

"This is a new challenge; I want to focus, prove myself in the Development Squad and to the First Team Manager then push through."

Ose Aibangee, Brentford Director of Youth Development, said: "When Antonio broke in to the QPR First Team he looked like he had a fantastic future ahead of him.

"Everyone in the football world knew about him and he showed how good he was by scoring goals in The Championship.

"It was a big surprise when he was released by QPR.

"We will give him a chance here to progress his career.

"He is a powerful boy who knows where the goal is and in the short term he will make an impact in Development Squad games.

"The next step for him is to try and prove he is good enough to play First Team football at League One level.

"I hope he can."

Antonio spoke to Bees Player after signing his contract; see an interview with the striker this afternoon.