While every Norwich City fan hopes they will be spared the suspense of a play-off final at Wembley and gain promotion via the automatic places, one former Canary can't wait to get back there.

Michael Spillane will be part of the Brentford squad travelling to the Big Arch this weekend hoping to win his second Johnstone's Paint Trophy when they take on Carlisle – and the young defender is confident he can be a lucky charm once again.

'I have done quite well in this competition in the past,' said Spillane, who was also part of the Luton Town side that won the competition in 2009 while he was on loan from Norwich.

'It's every young footballer's dream to play at Wembley so to do it twice within a short space of time is brilliant.'

Brentford overcame Exeter in the semi-finals of the competition 3-2 on aggregate and it was the first time they had progressed without the need for penalties.

Spillane, who was on target for the Bees in their 3-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday in League One on Tuesday night, admitted he wouldn't mind more spot-kick drama this weekend as long as Brentford come out on top.

'We've taken the long way round in the competition to be honest – but as long as you win it doesn't matter. We'd be more than happy for it to go to penalties again as long as we come out on top.'

Spillane was released by City in the summer after being part of Paul Lambert's side that cruised to the League One title last year.

The 22-year-old said he will be forever grateful to the Canaries for giving him his break in the game but had to move on to gain more regular first team football.

He hopes to be able to carve out a career as a successful right back after sometimes being a victim of his own versatility in the past.

'I've been playing a lot more football here which is obviously good for my development – I've been a bit in and out recently but it's good to be involved. I still get moved around a bit due to my versatility.

'I think I would have to say that I'm a right back first and foremost and that is where I see my future. I'm happy to play wherever though – my versatility is one of the best things about my game.'

Spillane remains in regular contact with several members of the playing staff at Carrow Road and hasn't been surprised to see them flying high at the top end of the Championship under Lambert.

'I'm always talking to them and the manager there is doing a brilliant job there – he's probably the best manager that I've been fortunate enough to work under.

'It's not been any surprise to me but it's a real achievement the way they have built on the momentum from last season.

'I keep an eye out for their results because I owe a lot to the club. I was there from 14 and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

'I am just keeping my fingers crossed for everyone there that they go up.'

One of Spillane's best friends in football is Chris Martin and he believes the striker will still have a big role to play this season once he has recovered from a hamstring injury.

'I've no doubt that once he gets fit he can play a big role. He is a quality player that just lives to score goals.

'He's one of the best finishers I've seen.'